Spring On The Road 2015

APRIL 2015 LEASING 101 Things you may not know about leasing

FINDING THE RIGHT RIDE Factors to consider when buying a new car

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT How to preserve your car's resale value

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April 29, 2015 • The Northern Virginia Daily

Factors to consider when looking for a new car

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pring is a season of rebirth, and this rejuvenating time of year can be a great time for motorists to reexamine their vehicles and start looking for new rides. With spring road trips and summer vacations on the nottoo-distant horizon, drivers who have been eyeing a new vehicle may feel the time has never been more right to sell or trade-in their current vehicles for ones more suited to their current needs.

Once drivers have made the decision to get a new car, they must then decide which car is right for them.

Such a decision not only requires a careful consideration of budget, but also a thorough examination of what you want out of your next vehicle. The following are some factors prospective car buyers may want to consider as Buyers should consider a host of factors before purchasing their next vehicle. they begin to look for new cars.

tually encounter. A flashy sports car may be fun to drive and surely looks great in the garage, but if safety concerns force you to leave it in the garage for several months a year, then it might not be the best car for you.

What else is in the driveway?

Parents or couples buying a new car together should consider what their significant other has sitting in the driveway. If one parent already has an SUV or minivan, then a second such vehicle may not be necessary, and buying a new car may be an opportunity to purchase a smaller vehicle that still fits the whole family but wonʼt need to carry athletic equipment or chauffeur the middle school basketball team. The same principle can be applied to couples without children. Such couples Driving habits then four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive may want to keep one sports car in the Passengers Your personal driving habits are anoth- is a feature that will likely prove worth driveway and have a more practical Parents who drive have different needs the investment if not a necessity, while vehicle that can better handle road er factor to consider before buying than drivers who donʼt have children. trips or weekend getaways. drivers who live in warm areas where your next car. When driving, are you When shopping around for your next Buying a new car is a fun process the temperatures remain mild yeartraversing the nationʼs highways or vehicle, consider how many passenthatʼs made even more fun when drivround can likely skip the four-wheel sticking mainly to city streets? Stopgers you typically have in the car. drive option. When buying a new car, ers consider their needs and target and-go city driving can be taxing on Parents who drive the kids to and from envision the weather that car will evenvehicles that best meet those needs. vehicles, and drivers may find manual a full slate of extracurricular activities transmissions are less enjoyable in city may not only want a car with enough room to accommodate their brood, but traffic. Drivers whose daily commutes are mainly done on highways may be also one thatʼs fuel-efficient so all able to live with a car deemed less those trips to the soccer fields and fuel-efficient, as highway driving tends dance recitals wonʼt break the bank.

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The Northern Virginia Daily • April 29, 2015

The first steps toward financing your next vehicle

Address your credit score. Your credit score will go a long way toward determining both your eligibility to finance a car as well as the interest rate on the loan should you be approved. Get a copy of your credit report from a credit reporting agency and scour it to determine if there are any discrepancies or blemishes that need to be addressed. If your credit score is low, try to delay buying a new car until you can take steps to improve your score. Such steps may include paying down existing debt, establishing a history of paying on time and making certain that any inaccuracies are removed.

Determine how much you can afford. It might be your dream to tool around town in an imported sports car,

but if you need to finance your next car, chances are the high-end imports or luxury automobiles are more than you can afford. The greater the down payment you make, the less your monthly payment will be. So if you have a substantial amount of money in your savings, you may want to put more down at signing so your budget is more flexible month-to-month.

Calculate the cost of all of your monthly expenses to determine how much you can afford to pay for a car each month. And donʼt forget that insurance costs on a brand new vehicle will be more than the costs of insuring a preowned car or truck.

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Donʼt pressure yourself. Many buyers are their own worst enemies when it comes to buying a new car. If you were preapproved for an auto loan, you might feel like you need to go out and buy a new car immediately. While a preapproval may mandate that you buy a car within a certain amount of days before you have to reapply, that still gives you a considerable amount of time to find a car. If you pressure yourself to buy a new car, you may end up driving the wrong vehicle or

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hen purchasing a new car, many buyers decide to finance rather than buying the car outright. Financing allows drivers the opportunity to drive a new car after making an initial down payment and then making monthly payments until the loan has been paid in full.

Without the option to finance, many drivers may not be able to afford a brand new car or even a preowned car with relatively few miles thatʼs more reliable than an older used car with a considerable amount of miles. But before prospective buyers visit the financing departments of any dealerships, itʼs best to first take some steps to ensure they get the best financing deal possible.

4

April 29, 2015 • The Northern Virginia Daily

How to detect odometer fraud

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Whether buying from a dealership or private seller, buyers of preowned vehicles should always insist on seeing a vehicle history report. Mileage is always documented whenever a vehiInspect the dashboard. A damaged cle is registered with the state and dashboard is not always indicative of whenever it undergoes state-mandatodometer fraud, but it should be ed safety or emissions inspections. A enough to arouse your suspicions. vehicle history report from an agency Loose or missing screws on a dashboard or scrapes or scarring along the like CarFax can provide buyers with a record of these registrations and dashboard often occur when sellers attempt to reset their vehiclesʼ odome- inspections, and buyers can use that ters. Again, such damage is not neces- information to determine if the sarily indicative of odometer fraud, but odometer on a given vehicle has been tampered with. If a seller refusif you were already suspicious of the es to provide a vehicle history report, seller, then these additional signs walk away and continue your search should be enough to compel you to until you find a buyer willing to prowalk away and continue your vehicle vide the report. search elsewhere.

Odometer fraud is employed by sellers Ask to take the car to your own who want to make their cars seem Examine the vehicleʼs service histo- mechanic for an inspection. When more attractive to prospective buyers. ry. Before buying a preowned vehicle, buying a preowned car, prospective buyers should insist that they be buyers should always request to see documentation of the vehicleʼs service allowed to take the car to their own history. This can shed light on how well mechanic to determine if it is worth buying. This protects sellers from buy(or how poorly) the vehicle was taken care of, and it also can serve as a clue ing a lemon and can help them deteras to the authenticity of the number on mine if odometer fraud has occurred.

An experienced mechanic can examthe vehicleʼs odometer. Vehicle ine a car and determine how much mileage is often included on repair wear and tear it has. If that wear and orders or receipts provided by auto tear is more than the odometer sugrepair shops, so such reports should gests it should have, then the odomegive you a picture of how many miles ter has likely been tampered with. the car was driven at given times

reowned car buyers looking to buy from private sellers rather than dealerships typically understand that such an approach can be risky. When buying from a private seller, such purchases are typically as-is, and rarely are buyers protected with extended warranties that may be offered by dealers who specialize in preowned vehicles.

Buying from private sellers may also leave buyers more susceptible to fraud. Odometer fraud is one type of fraud that buyers must be especially wary of when buying a preowned vehicle from a private seller, and the following are a handful of ways buyers can determine if a carʼs odometer has been tampered with.

on the reports donʼt match up with the figure on the odometer, then the odometer has likely been tampered with.

But buyers of preowned vehicles can employ several strategies to detect if a given vehicleʼs odometer has been tampered with.

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The Northern Virginia Daily • April 29, 2015

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April 29, 2015 • The Northern Virginia Daily

What to look for in a teen’s first car in the smallest car possible, as such vehicles may not protect teens as adequately as slightly larger vehicles in the case of an accident. In addition, very large cars, such as pickup trucks or SUVs, can be difficult to control and are best suited to older drivers who already have years of driving experience under their belts. A mid-size sedan is big enough to protect teens and their passengers in the case of an accident, and such vehicles are small enough to handle easily.

sight of a muscle car awaiting them in the driveway. But cars that accelerate quickly and those with substantial horsepower and high-performance engines may tempt teens to speed or spark the development of poor driving habits. Look for a vehicle with modest acceleration instead of an imported sports car that teens may be too immature and inexperienced to handle.

ing a preowned vehicle, but parents may want to replace the brake pads and tires on recently purchased preowned vehicles. Brake pads in strong condition may prove the difference between avoiding an accident or getting into one. In addition, poorly inflated or worn down tires pose a safety risk to teens and their passengers. If such features seem to be worn down, replace them before letting teens hit the open road on their own.

Wear and tear Teens will remember their first cars for Teensʼ first cars are often preowned Passenger capacity vehicles, and such cars may have sig- the rest of their lives. Parents can Another factor to consider when shopnificant wear and tear on some impor- ensure those memories are positive by ping for cars for teenagers is passenfinding a car that teens can handle tant safety features. Wear and tear ger capacity. The more seats there are may not be a reason to avoid purchas- comfortably and operate safely. in a car, the more friends teens can pack into their vehicles. Numerous teenagers in a car at once can prove distracting to the driver, and that distraction can pave the way for an auto accident. Steer clear of minivans, QUALITY AUTO CARE SUVs or other vehicles that feature a third row of seats, as teens may be 328 Front Royal Road unable to stay focused on the road Strasburg, VA 22657 with so many passengers in tow.

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any parents contribute money toward the purchase of their teenagersʼ first car. But even those who donʼt help kids finance the purchase of their first vehicle may still want to offer some advice as their teens start to look for the car they will no doubt remember for the rest of their lives.

Different drivers need different things out of their vehicles, so a car that might be perfect for adults will not necessarily be the best fit for teen drivers without much experience traversing the nationʼs roadways. The following are a few factors to consider when helping teens find their first car.

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The Northern Virginia Daily • April 29, 2015

Things you may not know about leasing a car

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dard for an automobile lease. Gap any people prefer leasing an insurance protects lessees and covers automobile to buying one, and their remaining lease payments if a leasing can be more advantacar is stolen or wrecked while the geous than buying in various ways. lease is ongoing. Some lessees For example, leasing allows drivers choose to accept gap insurance, while who cannot afford to purchase a new others do not. The latter group is takand more reliable vehicle the opportuing a risk that the car will not be stolen nity to drive such a car or truck, at a or wrecked during the life of the lease. cost that is considerably less over the If it is, the driver will then be responsilong haul than buying the vehicle outble for the monthly payments even if right. Leasing also makes it possible he or she no longer has the vehicle. for drivers who prefer newer cars to Drivers in the former group will not be exchange their automobiles every few on the hook for such payments. Some years, saving them the expense of lessees never use their gap insurance, maintaining a car as it ages. but the peace of mind it provides is When leasing an automobile for the worth the investment for many drivers. first time, motorists may not be aware Leasing is a great way for drivers to of certain things about leasing that drive new automobiles they otherwise could benefit them over the course of might not be able to afford. But drivers their leases. The following are a few of a theft or wreck.

Gap insurance term financing with hefty monthly payshould familiarize themselves with the such things that drivers may want to (which stands for guaranteed asset ments.

But many leases require ins and outs of leasing before signing consider when negotiating an automoprotection) is available but not stanlessees to pay substantial down payon the dotted line. bile lease at the dealership. ments upon agreeing to the lease. If Mile restrictions are not set in such a down payment proves a hurdle stone. Standard leases typically limit you cannot clear, then itʼs important to drivers to 12,000 miles per year over know that some leases do not require the life of the lease. In such an agreea down payment at all, while others ment, a three-year lease would allow require only a minimal payment lessees to drive 36,000 miles in the upfront. However, such leases may be vehicle. Any additional miles on the exclusive to drivers with exceptional vehicle when it is turned in at the end credit. of the lease would incur a penalty. But You can comparison shop with a mileage limits are negotiable, and lease. Much like you would compariBRIAN WILES - OWNER ETHAN WILES drivers who think they will exceed son shop when buying a car, you can 12,000 miles per year can tailor their do the same when leasing. After a leases to allow for additional miles.

Extra miles will cost more money, but dealer runs your credit and/or estimates your down payment, you may that extra expense will likely pale in feel as though you cannot afford to comparison to excess mileage lease a new car. But you have many charges, making it well worth the options to choose from when looking investment for drivers to negotiate extra miles into their lease at the time for an auto lease, and each one is likely to make a different offer. If you of signing. persevere and do your research, you You may need to pay a substantial initial down payment. Monthly lease ultimately may end up with a lease • Change Oil up to 5 qts. bulk • Check & top off fluids that puts you in a new car at an terms are favorable to men and * motor oil (synthetic extra) • 30 pt. courtesy check women who cannot afford to finance a affordable price. car or those who want to avoid long-

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April 29, 2015 • The Northern Virginia Daily

Fun amenities to consider for your next vehicle

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taking a break on a long road tip can jump into the back of their cars, recline the backseat and then enjoy a massage to iron out all those aches and pains that developed over the last several hours traversing the highways.

odayʼs automobiles come with more gadgets than ever before.

New car buyers can now choose from a host of amenities geared toward making roads easier to navigate and long trips more comfortable.

Whereas nonessential amenities once cost buyers a substantial amount of money, nowadays many auto manufacturers include options once considered luxuries in their standard packages, meaning more drivers have the chance to enjoy their new vehicles in style.

While not all amenities are free, and some may still cost drivers a considerable amount of money, the following are a handful of features drivers may find too irresistible to ignore.

Satellite radio: Satellite radio has been around for awhile, but only recently did it begin to become a standard offering in new vehicles. Drivers who buy a new car may find a deal where their initial satellite radio subscription, whether itʼs a few months or a full year, is included in the cost of the vehicle, while others may need to foot the fill for their subscriptions from jump street. But many new cars are satellite-compatible, which is good news to drivers who want to expand their musical horizons beyond the offerings of their local terrestrial stations.

Todayʼs new vehicles boast more amenities than ever before, making for a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. ing new, and many a parent has cally limited to the backseats, but they expressed gratitude that in-car televiwork in similar fashion to massaging sions and DVD players can serve as armchairs. Passengers or even drivers mobile babysitters when taking the kids on long road trips. But some auto manufacturers have begun to offer broadcast television in their vehicles, which is made possible by a built-in television antenna that is capable of picking up nearby channels.

Adaptive lights: If youʼre the type of driver who prefers his or her amenities be more about function than luxury, then adaptive lights might be the perfect feature for you. Adaptive lights may swivel as an automobile turns a corner, making it easier for drivers to see.

Some adaptive headlights also can sense darkness, protecting drivers who may be distracted by the amenities inside their vehicles and forget to turn their lights on the moment twilight arrives or the sun sets.

Todayʼs automobiles are a testament to innovation, and drivers may find that certain amenities make driving more enjoyable than ever before.

Massaging seats: Heated seats have a reputation of being a luxury well worth Television: The vehicles of today often the extra investment when buying a new car. But motorists with some extra mimic mobile entertainment systems, and no such system is complete without cash to spend may want to consider massaging seats. Such seats are typitelevision. Built-in televisions are noth-

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The Northern Virginia Daily • April 29, 2015

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April 29, 2015 • The Northern Virginia Daily

How to protect your car’s resale value

Did you know?

buyers view their automobiles. For example, savvy buyers know that manufacturer warranties tend to expire after three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. That may make a vehicle less attractive to buyers or inspire buyers to ask that the price of an extended warranty be deducted from the asking price of the vehicle. Another important mileage marker to consider is the 60,000-mile marker. Upon reaching 60,000 miles, many vehicles need certain upgrades, including new brakes. Sellers who wish to unload their preowned vehicle as quickly as possible may want to make these upgrades prior to selling their vehicles and showcase the service records to prospective buyers. If not, sellers should be flexible with their asking price, as buyers are likely to know that significant maintenance could be just around the corner for a vehicle that has exceeded the 60,000 mile mark.

Periodically examine the vehicle history report. Todayʼs preowned car

buyers know to ask for a vehicle history report before buying a car. If your vehicle history report contains any suspicious or inaccurate information, you may be forced to sell the car for less than itʼs worth or delay selling until you can have any issues corrected. That wonʼt necessarily happen overnight, but you can avoid dealing with a host of issues all at once by periodically examining the vehicle history report. Any discrepancies on the report can be brought to the attention of your insurance company, who can then work with you to correct the issues and restore your vehicleʼs reputation.

Resale value may not be foremost on the minds of new car owners, but the earlier buyers begin to factor resale value into their car-care routines, the more they will benefit down the road.

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buyers you prioritized taking care of the vehicle over the years, and that makes the car or truck more attractive to preowned vehicle buyers who want to avoid buying a lemon or a car that has not been taken care of.

become with regard to allowing food and drinks into their cars, and that can ultimately hurt Donʼt overlook looks. Looks can be the resale deceiving, but new car buyers who value of the eventually plan to sell their vehicles vehicle. should do all they can to keep the car Maintain a looking as new as it did the day it was clean interior first driven off the dealership lot. Much whether you like homeowners benefit when selling just bought a home with curb appeal, a car that the car or have looks good gives buyers the impresdriven it for a few sion that it was well taken care of. But years. Much like an a dirty car or one with lots of dings and impressive exterior dents is a red flag to preowned car leaves a lasting impression, a clean Keep all maintenance records. New buyers. interior that has not succumb to coffee cars typically do not require much Keep a clean interior. New car ownstains or muddy boots is more likely to maintenance. But drivers should keep ers typically maintain some strict rules impress buyers than a car with an intewith regard to food and beverages in rior that has seen better, cleaner days. records of all work and maintenance their vehicles. After all, no one wants done on their vehicles, even if that Drive defensively. Itʼs not just what their brand new car to succumb to work does not extend beyond routine you do to a car but how you drive the tuneups or oil changes. Keeping main- stains or spills. But the longer drivers car that can affect its resale value. have a car the more lax they tend to Driving defensively reduces your risk tenance records shows prospective of accident, and an accident-free preowned vehicle is a top priority for potential buyers. But driving defensively also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle, as over time constant stopand-go, aggressive driving takes its toll Private sellers may know that the amount of mileage on their vehicles on vehicle engines and other compowill go a long way toward determining their asking price, but they may nents. not know that certain mileage milestones can affect how prospective ew drivers start thinking about resale value when driving a new car off of the dealership lot for the first time. Still enamored with that new car smell, drivers can be excused for not thinking of resale value as they put the pedal to the metal and speed off in their brand new ride.

But itʼs never too early to start protecting a vehicleʼs resale value, especially if you hope to recoup as much of your vehicle investment as possible when the time comes to sell your car or trade it in for a newer model. The following are some ways motorists can protect the resale value of their vehicles from the moment the dealer tosses them the keys.

11

The Northern Virginia Daily • April 29, 2015

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April 29, 2015 • The Northern Virginia Daily

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ew drivers will be fortunate enough to go their entire driving lives without encountering at least one flat tire. Flat tires range from the inconvenient flats, which may interrupt a road trip or make drivers late for work or an appointment, to more dangerous blowouts, which can compromise the safety of drivers, their passengers and anyone else on the road when the tire gives out.

But as inconvenient or dangerous as flats or blowouts can be, they also can be prevented more often than not. Tires often produce warning signs that a flat or blowout is about to emerge, so drivers who want to avoid such unfortunate developments can inspect their tires for Routinely checking tire pressure and inflating underinflated tires is one way the following signs.

Varying wear: Tires should exhibit the drivers can reduce their risk of flat tires and blowouts. same type of wear. The wear on front tires and back tires may differ, but one front tire should have the same amount of wear as the other and the same goes for the back tires. Uneven tread on tires indicates that the tire with more wear could be about to go out.

ing the tire manufacturer or visiting their website. An underinflated tire is under stress that can cause the tire to blowout. In addition, poorly inflated tires force engines to work harder, which negatively affects a carʼs fuel efficiency.

Worn tread: Even drivers who know little about cars can typically recognize when tire tread has worn down to the point where the tire is a safety risk. But drivers who are unsure can employ the quarter test. Insert a quarter into the tread of the tire, with George Washingtonʼs head upright. If you can see the hairline of the United Statesʼ first president, then you need to replace the tire. Perform this test on each of your vehicleʼs four tires.

Vibration: A car that vibrates excessively may do so because tires are damaged. Poor suspension is another cause of excessive vibration. Whatever is behind a car that is vibrating, drivers should immediately take the car to their mechanic for an inspection.

Physical damage to the tire: Sometimes tires exhibit physical damage like bulges or cuts, and such signs could mean a flat tire or blowout is just around the corner. Tires that exhibit Low pressure: Drivers who do not rou- such physical damage need to be tinely check their tire pressure are more replaced immediately.

Flat tires and blowouts can prove both likely to endure a flat or blowout than scary and inconvenient. Drivers who those who regularly make sure their want to avoid such problems should tires are at the manufacturer-recommended pressure, which can be found routinely inspect their tires for indicators in a vehicle ownerʼs manual or by call- that a flat or blowout is likely to occur.

Why a clean air filter is important in your vehicle

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otorists routinely check their tires for proper inflation, top off engine fluid levels and maintain oil change schedules. But some drivers do not understand the importance of keeping engine air filters clean.

Engine air filters are a relatively inexpensive vehicle part, but they perform a very important job. For every gallon of gas a car burns, it uses the equivalent of 12,000 gallons of air, and that air must be filtered to help keep an engine clean.

Air filters catch all of the dust, grime, insects, sap, leaves, and any other debris that may get sucked up past the air intake of the vehicleʼs grill and into the engine itself. Without the air filter, those contaminants may compromise the engine, causing corrosion and abrasion. If the air filter in the engine becomes too dirty and is not changed regularly, the engine is starved of air.

Clean air filters allow just the right ratio of air to fuel to enable the engine to function properly. Engines need adequate air for the combustion process to take place. Without the proper combustion levels, vehicles cannot perform properly or efficiently and the engine may burn more gas or get fewer miles to the gallon. A dirty filter also can rob an engine of power.

Air filters need to be changed regularly to maintain the right flow of air into the engine and to protect the engine from debris.

Drivers may notice sluggish acceleration.

Air filters also can get so dirty that the engine stalls completely. But such a problem only develops after considerable neglect.

Air filters may not need to be replaced at each and every oil change service call. Many technicians advise replacing the filter every 8,000 miles.

However, drivers who live in particularly dry and dusty regions may need to replace filters more frequently.

Mechanics can often detect when an air filter needs to be replaced. If he or she notices the air filter is particularly dirty, then itʼs probably time to replace it. Replacing the filter is a relatively inexpensive repair for the amount of performance and peace of mind a new filter provides.

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Warning signs a tire is about to go flat

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The Northern Virginia Daily • April 29, 2015

Simple ways to save at the pump

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he cost of fuel dipped in 2014, but drivers are still looking for ways to spend less at the pump.

For many drivers, that means driving less. Driving less will save money, and doing so also reduces fuel consumption and contributes to fewer emissions entering the air, both of which can benefit the environment.

But many drivers are unable to drive less, as commitments to work and family require them to get behind the wheel more often than they might prefer. Such drivers may be looking for ways to reduce their fuel costs, and fortunately there are several ways to do just that.

octane fuel every so often will increase performance of older engines. But many engines are designed to run smoothly and efficient on low-octane fuel, meaning itʼs unnecessary to choose premium gas, even if you only do so once in a blue moon. Read your vehicleʼs ownerʼs manual to determine the best fuel for your car.

reduce fuel costs by as much as 75 percent.

Remove unnecessary weight. A car trunk might seem like a great place to keep your golf clubs, and it may be tempting to leave that roof rack on top of your car after a recent camping trip, but such unnecessary cargo in or on your car makes it harder for the car to Buy when the time is right. Prices at get from point A to point B. That forces filling stations fluctuate on a daily the car to consume more fuel. Unless basis, so unless your car is running on your immediate plans include hitting empty, avoid filling up when the prices the links or hunkering down at a nearseem especially high. Some patience by campsite, remove unnecessary may pay off with several dollars in savweight from the car so your next trip to ings, and those savings can add up to the gas station is less expensive. a significant amount of money over The cost of fuel can make trips to the time.

Reconsider your choice of fuel. filling station into costly excursions.

Many of todayʼs auto manufacturers Become a less aggressive driver.

But drivers willing to reconsider connow design their vehicles so they can Drivers with hectic schedules tend to ventional wisdom and change their run smoothly on regular unleaded gas, be more aggressive when behind the driving habits can save substantial which is typically listed as “87 octane” wheel. But driving aggressively is amounts of money over time. at filling stations. Thatʼs important to unsafe and potentially costly. When know, as regular gas is often consider- driven at speeds that exceed 55 miles ably less expensive than alternatives per hour, vehicles lose fuel economy. that are higher octanes. Many drivers According to the California Energy may even choose regular unleaded, Commissionʼs Consumer Energy but opt for premium gas every third or Center, driving 55 miles per hour fourth trip, feeling that the higher instead of 75 miles per hour can

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Insuring multiple vehicles and/or drivers on an auto insurance policy may prove cheaper than having each of those drivers and vehicles insured separately on multiple policies. Thatʼs because insurers typically offer bulk rates to policy holders willing to insure several vehicles and/or drivers on a single policy. But such discounts typically adhere to guidelines that dictate eligibility. For example, if the head of a family wants to insure his or her children on the same auto insurance policy he or she has, then those children typically must list their parentsʼ home as their legal residence. Blood relations also may influence eligibility for multiple driver policy discounts. In general, only blood relatives or relatives by marriage can benefit from multiple driver discounts. However, non-related motorists who jointly own a vehicle may be eligible for discounts.

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April 29, 2015 • The Northern Virginia Daily

The right car seat makes for a safer ride for children

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o matter what is stored in the trunk, a driverʼs most precious cargo is his or her passengers.

Never is that more apparent than when children are on board.

Finding the right car seat can be challenging. When used correctly, such seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent, according the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

Whether you are buying a car seat for the first time or upgrading an existing seat as your child grows, being informed can help with the decisionmaking process.

Access professional reviews A number of organizations rate available car seats on the market.

Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are just two of the groups that provide ratings that can take the guesswork out of selecting the best car seats.

Regulations change frequently, and car seat engineers continually modify designs to keep kids as safe as possible. Frequently revisit car seat reviews to check whether your seat is still receiving high marks or if itʼs time to invest in a new car seat.

Rear-facing, longer Many experts now advise keeping children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible — even up to age two.

These seats are being manufacturered to meet higher weight limits in the rearfacing position. However, always verify the exact height and weight limit for the seat by reading the information booklet or the safety data that is printed directly on the seat.

Do the research and learn which car seats are the best options for transporting children.

In addition, know how to safely use the seat, including which tethers should be used in which seating positions.

Children should sit in the back of the vehicle away from airbags.

Learn proper installation Consumer Reports notes that about 80 percent of parents and caregivers misuse car seats in one way or another.

Follow the directions for safe seat placement and positioning of tethers and safety belts. You can watch videos online on how to install safety seats properly, and many seat brands may direct you to an informational video.

Some First Aid and police squads offer complimentary seat checks to reassure parents that seats are installed correctly.

Older children in booster seats, which are designed to position passengers correctly to make use of the vehicleʼs seat belts, should have a proper fit.

The lap belt should lie flat and on top of the thighs. The shoulder belt should rest directly in the middle of the shoulder and not too close to the neck.

Know the types of seats Children may go through three or more safety seats before theyʼre allowed to safely ride using the vehicleʼs own passenger restraint system. In addition to infant car seats, manufacturers offer convertible seats, harnessed seats, belt-positioning booster seats, and built-in safety seats. Many children are ready to bid farewell to car seats when

they reach about 4-feet-9-inches tall.

Avoid used seats Unless you can verify the full crash history of a car seat, it is best to buy it new rather than from a thrift store or on the Internet from a third party.

Although car seats do not “expire” in the traditional sense, they are stamped with a use-by date. Materials in car seats can degrade over time, and harnesses may stretch. Itʼs wise to replace car seats after several years and treat a new baby in the family to his or her own car seat instead of using a hand-me-down.

Car seats are one of the best safety investments parents can make, as long as theyʼre researched and used properly.

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April 29, 2015 • The Northern Virginia Daily

Paint versus car wrap options

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ver time a carʼs exterior can fade or suffer some dings and dents. Before owners sell or trade in their rides for something new, investing in a new color may be all thatʼs necessary to revitalize the look of the vehicle.

Changing the color of a car is not something every driver should try on their own. Such a task can be timeconsuming, and it requires a good deal of skill to turn out looking good.

Furthermore, painting a car involves a variety of different tools and equipment, from a spray gun, sander and buffer to specific types of enamel or acrylic paints.

After considering the work involved and the expense of investing in the equipment to get the job done right, many vehicle owners opt to hire a professional to change the color of their vehicles. Many service centers offer

two options to change the look of a car the vehicle an airbrushed effect.

Custom painters are artists, and their or truck: painting and car wraps. work may be very detailed.

Painting may demand your vehicle be Paint job off the road for a week or more, so itʼs A professional paint job will yield an best to have an alternative travel plan. impressive result. A skilled auto painter can recommend the right type of auto- Also, be sure to investigate how paintmotive paint for your make and model ing will affect the value of the vehicle.

A paint job may end up depreciating and guide you in color selections. the value of a resale because itʼs While there are hundreds of different changing the original vehicle permacolor choices available, professionals nently. also may be able to mix colors to create the custom look you desire.

Paint work may be done to match the existing color of the vehicle after accident repairs have been made. Or you may be tired with the color of your car and simply desire a change.

Experienced service shops can offer these services and more. Other shops may specialize in custom paint jobs that may entail graphics, detail work or the blending of multiple colors to give

Car wrap Car wraps are typically made of highquality vinyls that come in a bevy of different colors and styles. Wraps also can be used for custom graphics or to advertise businesses.

The vinyl wrap completely covers the paint of the vehicle. But because car wraps can be removed, they do not permanently change the vehicle and

are therefore unlikely to affect its resale value.

Car wrapping can take less time than a labor-intensive paint job. Some jobs can be completed in only two or three days. Car wraps also may be the less expensive option if youʼre not selecting a complicated, custom design. Many car wraps will last between five to seven years, which is on par with the life span of a professional paint job, which lasts five to 10 years.

Changing the look of a vehicle may be as simple as choosing a new exterior color. Professional paint services and vinyl car wraps make it easy to switch up the style of a car or truck.

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The Northern Virginia Daily • April 29, 2015

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