Fall Car & Truck Guide 2022

How Motorcyclists Can Stay Safe While Riding

intensity and excitement riding provides. Motorcycles are fun and routinely draw attention from other motorists.

What motorcycles add in terms of speed and excitement, they may lose in safety, especially when compared to cars and trucks.

The National Transportation Safety Board says motorcycle riders and their passengers have the highest risk of fatal injury among all motor vehicle users. Per mile traveled, motorcyclist fatalities occur nearly 28 times as often as passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in traffic crashes.

Thankfully, the risks associated with riding motorcycles can be reduced with some simple safety precautions.

Gear

Motorcycle riders can improve the barrier between themselves and the road with the proper gear. Quality leather jackets and pants,

helmets, gloves, and nonskid boots can protect the body from severe injuries.

Improve visibility

Reflective tape added to clothing can help motorcyclists become more visible to other drivers; otherwise, wear bright clothing colors. Also, riding with others as a group increases visibility.

Familiarize yourself with the bike

Motorcycle riders are not advised to take an unfamiliar

bike into busy traffic. If the bike has never been ridden before, become familiar with its handling and responsiveness in a controlled area that isn’t full of traffic before taking it on the open road.

Stay out of blind spots

Consumer Reports says roughly two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents are caused by a car driver violating a motorcycle rider’s right of way.

Motorcycle riders should never assume a driver sees them. Staying out of blind spots and steering clear of turning vehicles can help.

Adjust for weather Riding in the rain or in other difficult conditions is more risky since the roads are slippery. Slow down or keep the bike at home in inclement weather.

Remove distractions

Stow cell phones away so your attention is not drawn

away from the road.

Remain sober and alert

Don’t ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including over-the-counter if they cause drowsiness). Also, do not drive while drowsy, as it is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.

Be aware of obstacles

Motorcyclists need to be very careful about road obstacles, more so than other drivers. This includes uneven road surfaces, fallen branches, oil slicks, and/or wet spots. ConsumerSafety. org says a motorcycle has less contact with the road than a car, making it more likely to skid out of control or throw a rider from the bike.

Motorcycle riders need to be more cautious on the road because they are at increased risk for injury.

Technology To Reduce Driving Distractions

Smartphones and other technologies have been implicated as risk factors for distracted driving. It may seem counter-intuitive that tech could help prevent distracted driving, but various products can do just that.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says distracted driving accounted for roughly 3,000 fatal cases in 2019. Many companies have invested considerable time and money into developing technology that can prevent distractionrelated accidents. Here’s a closer look.

• Usage blocking apps: The temptation to grab for a phone to make a call or send a text is high for a population that checks its phones dozens of times a day. To curb temptation while driving, a person can use apps that prohibit calls or texts while the vehicle is driving by sensing the motion of the car. It’s worth noting that 9-1-1 calls are not affected by the app. Many phone operating systems also come with their own “do not disturb” settings that enable users to turn off alerts while driving.

• Geofences: Geofences are defined boundaries/ tracking alerts set up from a central location. Parents can use these geofences to monitor teen drivers and receive alerts when the teen goes outside of a pre-

determined boundary. This can help parents keep closer tabs of teen drivers’ whereabouts. Some GPS trackers also provide reports on driving habits, such as speeding or erratic driving.

Parents can take action accordingly, like warning against speeding or erratic driving, or taking away privileges if they are not happy with what teens have been doing.

• Collision warning sensors: Warning sensors at the fronts or sides of vehicles go off when vehicles get too close to another car or truck. Additional vehicle sensors include lane departure warning systems that go off when a driver is about to cross over a lane. Audible beeps or other sounds go off, unless the driver uses the turn signal to change lanes. These sensors are handy for anyone who starts to daydream while driving, as the car will provide a loud wake-up call before a potential collision happens.

• Automatic emergency braking system: An AEB will take over for the driver if the motorist fails to brake when rapidly approaching a vehicle or another object.

• Hands-free devices: Many vehicles come equipped with Bluetooth technology and other voiceguided functions. This enables drivers to do anything from adjust heating and cooling settings to dialing a phone number without having to take his or her hands off of the wheel.

Distracted driving may lead to accidents, but certain technology can cut down on incidents while driving.

When Should You Replace Rotors And Brake Pads?

The ability to accelerate and steer freely is vital to vehicle performance.

Equally crucial is being able to stop the car to avoid collisions and obstacles.

Brake pads and rotors are vital components of braking mechanisms that need to be maintained and serviced.

Drivers may wonder how frequently they have to replace brake parts. Car and Driver magazine states brake pads are among the most crucial braking components.

Brake pads create the friction that helps stop a car when they are pressed against the brake rotor, also known as the brake disc. It’s in drivers’ best interests to ensure that brake pads, as well as rotors, always function properly and are replaced before their effectiveness is compromised.

Replacing brake pads

Brake pads are made from different materials, but all will wear down over time, losing a portion of material every time the brakes are

How To Drive In Dangerous Conditions

Individuals who live in areas of the country where the temperature and weather changes throughout the seasons have to adapt their driving to meet the road conditions. Weather-related

used. Eventually brake pads will not be able to generate enough friction to stop the vehicle quickly.

Industry experts generally recommend brakes be replaced every 20,000 to 60,000 miles. Since that is a wide mileage range, drivers can listen for squealing noises or grinding sounds or feel for vibrations when deploying the brakes. Each of those signs may indicate

accidents are some of the most prevalent but can be largely prevented if the proper driving techniques are followed.

• Hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when water on the roadway accumulates in front of a vehicle’s tires faster than the weight of the vehicle can push it out of the way. The water pressure can push the vehicle up on a thin layer of water, essentially

brakes need to be replaced.

Replacing rotors

Like brake pads, rotors also will wear out over time. Brake rotors must meet a certain thickness to be considered safe. If they are below that thickness, then they must be fully replaced. Some drivers opt to have their rotors resurfaced. This means removing any grooves, hotspots or anomalies on the rotors that

breaking the tires’ contact with the road. In a matter of seconds, a driver can lose control and end up swerving out of his or her lane.

It is important to follow a few guidelines to prevent hydroplaning. First, keep tires well maintained. Wornout tread can contribute to hydroplaning, as can inadequately inflated tires. Certain tread patterns are more capable of diverting

can cause uneven wear of the brake pads. However, if the rotors are too thin, they cannot be resurfaced, as this removes some additional rotor material. Rotors can only be resurfaced once before replacement. Some vehicles have rotors that cannot be resurfaced at all.

Rotors can go thousands of miles before they need to be replaced, but vibrations while braking and squeaking noises are usually indicative that rotors need to be checked and/or replaced. Even though brake pads and rotors may wear out at different intervals, many automotive professionals advise replacing rotors when brake pads are changed for optimal performance and safety.

Brakes are an essential safety component. Work with a qualified mechanic to have brake pads and rotors serviced before wear and tear adversely affects driver safety and vehicle performance.

water away from the tires. Ask a professional about which tire tread to choose.

Next, realize that the higher the speed, the higher the propensity to hydroplane. At lower speeds, it is generally rare to hydroplane, unless the water puddles driven through are exceptionally deep. Reduce speeds when it is raining.

Also, lighter vehicles are more prone to hydroplaning. Again, if driving a compact or lightweight vehicle, slow down when water is on the road.

Should hydroplaning occur, let off the gas and do not apply the brake or turn the wheels. Once the car slows down and retains traction once more, steer and brake accordingly.

• Ice. Ice is a problem that plagues drivers when the temperature drops. While some ice can be detected on the roadway, thin sheets of ice blend in with the asphalt and are known as “black ice.” Black ice can be undetectable until a car begins to skid.

Many people have trouble driving on icy roads. In fact, winter conditions often lead to accidents. More than 500 fatalities were attributed to snowy, icy roads in the

2008-2009 winter season in the United States.

It is important to make some modifications to a vehicle if driving on ice will be commonplace this season. At the least, proper tire inflation is important to maintain traction. Tires should also be checked for tread, as bald tires will do little to grip the road.

Individuals who want even more protection should consider switching to snow tires for the winter. These tires are made from a softer rubber so they can better grip the road. They may also feature a different tire tread for even more traction. Snow chains can be used to offer greater grip. However, speeds will have to be greatly reduced when chains are in place.

Reducing speed is helpful when driving in an inclement condition, including on ice. It helps a driver to better correct a situation and react. If skidding is experienced, gently steer in the direction of the skid without applying the brakes. When traction is resumed, slow down and correct the car.

How To Stay Safe On Winter Roads

Snowy weather can be a time for fun, especially for skiers or children who relish spending days off from school tossing snowballs and building snow forts. Many adults, however, do not look forward to the snow as much as youngsters do. Snow can be hazardous when driving, but putting snow tires on a vehicle can improve vehicle safety.

According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin istration, roughly 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States. Each winter, snowfall compounds treacherous road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.

It is important to know how to drive when weather conditions are dangerous. It is also wise to outfit a vehicle to reduce its risk of slipping and sliding on icy, snowy roads. Here are some tips to follow.

• Limit time spent driving

ensure their cars and trucks are operating at peak capacity. Various components should be checked and serviced at key intervals. Oil changes and fluid top-offs are part of routine maintenance, but it can be easy to forget about other important parts of the vehicle, including tires.

Rotating tires is vital to their upkeep. Bridgestone Tires advises that tire rotation involves routinely repositioning a vehicle’s tires in specific patterns from front to back and side to side. According to Big O Tires, the front tires tend to wear on the outside edges because the tire leans over when a driver turns a corner. The rear tires just follow the front ones, so they usually wear more evenly. By leaving tires in place, the outside edges on the front tires will wear down much faster than the rest and those

in the snow. Avoid driving during snowstorms or directly after whenever possible. Snow not only

tires will need to be replaced sooner. Rotation may be required by tire warranties. Rotation also keeps the tires working properly.

Experts generally advise tire rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, even if they do not show any signs of wear. It is challenging to determine if weather treads are uneven or how much wear has been sustained just by looking at them. Rotating tires can prolong the life of tires and decrease how frequently

makes roads slick, but falling flakes can impair a driver’s visibility and reduce his or her response time. Try to wait until snowclearing teams have salted, plowed and sanded roads before venturing out.

• Be sure you can see clearly. Clear off the snow from the windshield, side mirrors and windows so it does not compromise your view. Also, top off the windshield fluid so you will be able to clear snow and salt kick-up from your windshield. Look for a

they need to be replaced.

Rotating tires keeps the tread depth uniform and helps maintain traction and consistent handling across all four tires. Bridgestone says the tire rotation pattern that is best for a particular vehicle depends on the type of tire being used. Patterns are recommended by the standardizing body of the tire industry, called The Tire and Rim Association, Inc. Individuals can consult with professional mechanics

washer fluid that has an antifreeze component, otherwise, your washer jets and wiper blades could be rendered useless.

• Drive slowly. Reduce your speed when driving in inclement weather. It can be more difficult to stop or maneuver around a potential obstacle when conditions are less than ideal. Traveling at a high speed will increase the risk of accidents.

• Leave enough room between you and other motorists. Tailgating is responsible for many

about the proper way to rotate tires. Many tire manufacturers or automotive stores that have sold customers tires also will do tire rotations — some free of charge.

In addition to proper traction, minimizing uneven tire treads causes the vehicle to be more balanced, advises Wrench, a mobile auto repair and maintenance company. This enables the driver to have more control even when roads are slippery. Many auto service centers will then align and balance tires after they have been rotated. At this time the mechanic will likely check brakes as well, since it is easy to see and reach them when the tires are off.

Tire rotation is an important component of vehicle maintenance. Check with a qualified automotive professional to see if it’s time to have your vehicle’s tires rotated.

accidents, even when there is no snow on the ground. In inclement weather, it can take longer to slow or stop the car after pressing on the brakes. Having an additional space between your car and the one in front of you helps you avoid a collision.

• Be aware of black ice. Black ice gets its name from its veritable invisibility. It is so thin and hard to spot, it just looks like the black asphalt of the road. Black ice tends to form in areas that have had snow or ice melt, which then refreezes at night when temperatures drop. Be extra cautious on turns and on highway exit and entrance ramps, where black ice frequently forms.

• Steer your car into the skid. Remain calm and do

not panic and jam on the brakes if your car starts to skid. Slamming on the brakes will only exacerbate the skid. Rather, take your foot off the accelerator, allowing the car to naturally slow down as you turn your wheels into the direction the car is skidding. This should help right the car and get you back on track.

• Invest in snow tires. Those who live in especially snowy climates and do a lot of driving would be wise to purchase snow tires. Snow tires, also called winter tires, have special tread patterns that offer better traction in snow and ice. They also are made from softer rubber compounds than regular tires that retain their flexibility in cold weather, allowing the tire to conform to the surface of the road. Although many vehicles come with technology to prevent accidents, they cannot do their jobs if tires are not maintaining their grip on the road.

All-season tires are not a replacement for snow tires. All-season tires are designed to work in all sorts of conditions, from rainy weather to dry roads. Therefore, it is better to invest in a set of snow tires that will offer you better protection. When putting snow tires on a car or truck, be sure to do so on all the wheels, not just the driving wheels. Otherwise you may still risk spin outs or uneven gripping of the road.

It is not a good idea to keep snow tires on all year. Because they are softer, snow tires tend to be more noisy and can wear out faster in warmer weather. There fore, switch out the tires at the beginning of the snowy season and then before the spring arrives anew.

Benefits Of Wearing Seat Belts

The importance of wearing seat belts in vehicles has resonated with drivers and passengers across the globe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the national seat belt use rate in passenger vehicles in 2019 was 90.7 percent. And despite their simplicity, particularly when compared to the various other technologies available in modern vehicles, seat belts remain an incredibly effective device against injury and even death, though only when drivers and their passengers remember to engage them. For example, the NHTSA notes that seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017 alone.

Unfortunately, the NHTSA also reports that 47 percent of the 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 were not wearing seat belts. Studies have indicated that front seat riders in cars who wear their seat belts can reduce their risk of fatal injury by 45 percent, while front seat riders in trucks can reduce their risk for fatal injury by 60 percent.

Without a functioning engine, a car is just an expensive driveway orna ment. Engines keep vehicles moving, much in the same way the heart provides oxygen and blood to keep the human body running strong.

Modern engines are a mixture of mechanical moveable parts and complex computerized systems. Many different parts work in unison to keep a vehicle moving. Engines can be challenging for experienced mechanics, not to mention downright confusing for people who are unfamiliar with what’s under the hood of their vehicle. But any vehicle owner can learn to recognize certain signs that an engine may be on its last legs.

Engine shaking

An engine that is shaking while running may just have bad spark plugs or loose or damaged hoses, offers Sturtevant Used Auto Parts in Wisconsin. However, if those fixes don’t work, it could be an indication of a deeper problem that requires a mechanic, such as fuel intake system issues, compromised motor mounts

or timing belt problems.

Excessive smoke

An engine in trouble typically has to work harder. That results in heating up more quickly, which can lead to overheating. Smoke may be white, blue or black (each color indicates a separate problem). Any sign of excessive smoke is a reason to consult a mechanic.

Warning lights

The dashboard tends to light up when the car is

started, and one by one those lights diminish as the car’s computer checks that all systems are working correctly. If the “check engine” light remains on, it is notifying the driver of a problem. The issue could be a faulty sensor or something more ominous. Mechanics can hook the vehicle up to a scanning tool that runs diagnostics to “speak” to the car’s computer helping to diagnose the issue, advises How Stuff Works.

Strange noises

Popping or tapping noises may suggest that gasoline is igniting prematurely in the combustion chambers of the cylinders. Grinding noises may tell you that the starter motor needs to be changed or replaced. Transmission issues also can produce grinding sounds. Generally speaking, if the car is making sounds it does not normally make, schedule a service appointment.

Poor fuel efficiency

Engine trouble may cause the car or truck to consume gas faster than normal, according to the car information site Carsoid. The engine or one of its components may be faulty. Problems could arise in the spark plugs, oxygen sensor or fuel injector.

Metal flakes

If you change your own oil, check to see if the oil has metal flakes, or ask the technician if he or she sees flakes when you bring it in for service. Flakes indicate the engine is creating too much friction and slowly chipping away at the components.

Trouble starting

Failure to turn over is a clear indicator of engine troubles. It could be the battery, but if the battery is new, look for other causes.

Engine trouble does not generally come out of nowhere. Certain signs can warn drivers their vehicles need servicing.

Do It Yourself Automotive Maintenance Tasks

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, many people looked for ways to save money. One way to live a frugal life is to take on more projects. In addition to lawn and garden upkeep and minor home improvements, a number of people may be able to tackle some auto repair and maintenance jobs them selves.

Performing routine vehicle maintenance tasks on one’s own is an ideal way to reduce automotive expenditures. The following are several vehicle maintenance jobs skilled DIYers may be able to handle on their own.

• Replace the air filter. An air filter should be changed annually or more frequently if you reside in a dry, dusty climate. A clogged filter can stress the vehicle’s air conditioning system and reduce heat capacity in the winter. Check the location of the air filter in the owner’s manual; pay attention to how it is placed before removing. Then replace it with a clean filter that can be purchased for around $15.

• Replace the wiper blades. When wiper blades are worn out, visibility in rainy or snowy weather is reduced. Choose a quality wiper blade, as they usually are made with high-quality rubber, clean better and have more UV protection

than manufacturer-provided blades. Follow the in stallation instructions on the package, and be sure to refer to the particular manufacturer’s buying guide to get the right size for your make and model of vehicle.

• Replace spark plugs. The money management site Money Crashers says spark plugs need to be replaced after around 30,000 miles or as indicated by your owner’s manual.

Vehicles will have four, six or eight plugs, depending on how many cylinders the car has. The plugs need to be changed in a certain order, so only remove the first wire and spark plug.

Remove and replace plugs one by one with a spark plug socket, wrench or ratchet.

• Change the oil and oil filter. Because changing the oil in a vehicle requires jacking up the car or truck and getting a little dirty, some people prefer to leave it to an oil change center. However, at an estimated cost of $20 versus nearly double or more what you’ll spend elsewhere, it can save money to do it yourself. Never change the oil while the engine is hot. And remember to lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter and allocate enough oil to fill the filter with about 2⁄3 of new oil in

addition to what is put in the engine.

• Replace headlight bulbs. Replacing headlight bulbs is a fairly easy project and will only take around 10 minutes to do after you purchase the right bulbs for your vehicle. Each vehicle is different, but many bulbs are housed inside of a bulb holder, which is shaped like a trapezoid with three wires coming out of it, advises U.S. News & World Report. Remove the old bulb and put in the new. Plug the wires back in and test to see if the headlight works.

The above automotive tasks are just some that people can try themselves to save time and money.

Cold Weather And Your Car Battery

Cold weather can play havoc with a vehicle’s bat tery, threatening starting and the ability to handle winter’s increased electrical loads.

A conventional 12-volt battery maintains about 40 percent of its capacity at 0°F, so it’s very important to make sure the vehicle’s bat tery is up to the task when the weather turns really cold. Most engines won’t start when cranking voltage drops too far below 12 volts, and a battery loses some of its available voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA) as it ages. So it’s a good idea to take precautions as the chill begins.

Try these precautions to avoid cold weather battery problems:

• Check all battery and starter connections. Make sure they are tight and cables are top quality and in good condition.

• Make sure the alternator is operating at full capacity to keep the engine running and operate lights, wind shield wipers and heater fan while keeping the battery charged.

• Have the battery tested to make sure it has sufficient capacity and is new enough to handle frigid temperature starting, heavy electrical de mand. Install a fresh battery if needed.

• If the battery charge is low, have it charged or use a modern portable battery charger to keep it in top form.

Discussing Driving With Seniors

Around 45 million licensed drivers on the roads today are age 65 and older.

Driving is one way for seniors to stay independent and live fuller lives, but traffic crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older adults are more than twice as likely than younger drivers to report having medical conditions that make it difficult to drive, and usage of certain medications can further affect the ability to drive safely.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges older drivers, friends and family to talk about driving safety. The following are some points to emphasize during such discussions.

• Physical fitness: Driving is more than just under standing road signs and how the car works. Safe driving requires sufficient physical fitness to operate a vehicle. Exercising and being active by walking daily, stretching and performing strengthtraining exercises can make it easier to steer and get in and out of the car.

• Seat belts: Seat belts save countless lives. Some older drivers may have grown up during a time when seat belts were not standard on vehicles and may not recognize the importance of wearing them. However, seat belts are crucial each and every time drivers get behind the wheel.

• Vision checkups: The CDC recommends that adults have their vision checked by an eye doctor at least once per year.

Corrective lenses or glasses also should be worn if they are needed to improve vision.

• Medications management: Individuals should exercise caution when taking medications, especially sleep and pain medications. Even cold remedies can affect driver safety, advises the Mayo Clinic. Always read medication labels and pharmacy inserts to determine if it’s safe drive while on a given medication.

• Limitations and modifications: Getting older may come with certain physical limitations that can be remedied with a few modifications. An occupational therapist may be able to recommend assistive devices, such as steering wheel covers that make gripping the wheel easier, or a swiveling seat pad to make getting out of a vehicle less strenuous.

Aging drivers and their families can focus on various factors to keep such motorists safe when they’re behind the wheel.

Habits can be hard to kick. Many people need a unique catalyst in order to ditch habits they’ve long wanted to put in their rearview mirrors. New Year’s Day is one notable example of a unique event that compels millions of people to make positive changes every year.

Though it might not be a cause for celebration like the dawn of a new year, increased awareness of climate change and its effects could be the catalyst many people need to make positive, planetfriendly changes to their daily routines.

Driving habits are one area where individuals can alter their daily routines in ways that benefit the planet. These eco-friendly alterations can be instituted each day by individuals who want to do their part to combat climate change.

• Avoid aggressive driving. Aggressive driving is both a safety risk and a threat to the environment.

According to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, aggressive driving can lower gas mileage in lightduty vehicles by as much as 40 percent in stop-and-go

traffic and by as much as 30 percent at highway speeds.

• Avoid idling. Many drivers have long relied on idling to warm up their vehicles on cold mornings. However, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control notes that modern vehicles do not need warming up in temperatures above 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important that drivers

Habits

recognize this, as idling wastes fuel and increases the amount of vehicle exhaust in the air. Vehicle exhaust increases air pollution and contains pollutants that have been linked to asthma, additional lung diseases and heart disease. A far more effective, and considerably less harmful, way to warm

up a vehicle is to do so for 30 seconds and then drive slowly for the first few minutes.

• Purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle. Drivers looking for their next vehicle can prioritize fuel efficiency if they want their driving habits to have a smaller carbon

footprint. The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency provide information on fuel efficient vehicles, and that information can be accessed at Fueleconomy. gov. In addition, the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide notes that electric vehicles, plugin hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and cleaner burning gasoline vehicles are among the more efficient and less polluting cars and trucks on the market.

• Make fewer trips. The Fremont Green Challenge reports that more than half of all driving trips in the United States are taken for social, recreational, shopping, or family/personal errands. By combining these trips, drivers can greatly reduce their driving miles. Fewer trips conserves fuel and can reduce air pollution.

A few simple tweaks to drivers’ daily habits can benefit the planet in myriad ways.

The first things to come to mind when many people ponder vehicle maintenance are oil changes and routine tune-ups. Though each of those things are vital components of automotive maintenance, it’s important that drivers recognize the value of a thorough car wash as well.

Drivers may see a car wash as a way to make their car look good, and that’s not untrue. An effective car wash can give a car a look that mirrors how the vehicle appeared the moment it was driven off the lot. But an effective wash is more than just cosmetic. According to Consumer Reports, a thorough car wash removes grit and residue, thus protecting the car’s paint job and reducing the likelihood of corrosion. Though late model vehicles aren’t as susceptible to rust, fading and peeling as cars made decades ago, they still need a thorough and routine wash to remove dirt, grime and bird droppings that, over time, can adversely affect the paint job and, if left unchecked, eat away at the

metal.

Another benefit to routine car washes is they can prevent damage related to seasonal issues. For example, individuals who live in regions where winter snowfall is common may routinely drive on roads that have been salted. Deicing the roads makes driving safer, but salt can accumulate on the undercarriage of the vehicle and contribute to corrosion.

Winter may not be a time many drivers visit the car wash, but it’s important to do so after snow has melted and salt on the roadways has

been washed away by rain. Most car washes now offer high-pressure undercarriage treatments that can wash off salt and prevent corrosion and the formation of rust.

But it’s not just the exterior of the car that can benefit from routine washing. When taking their cars to get washed, many motorists pay a little extra to have their vehicle interiors cleaned. Sometimes referred to as “interior detailing,” cleaning the cabin of the car helps to maintain the interior so it looks new longer. Routine interior cleaning also can remove dust and other

particles that can serve as irritants if allowed to build up over time.

Resale and trade-in value is another factor to consider. The automotive experts at Edmunds note that the average transaction price for a used vehicle in the second quarter of 2021 was $25,410, which marks a 21 percent increase over the year prior. Much has been made of the microchip issues that have compromised auto manufacturers’ ability to produce new automobiles, and that led many motorists to the pre-owned vehicle market. Dealerships also offered incentives to drivers willing to trade in their late model cars. By taking care of a vehicle’s interior, drivers are putting themselves in position to capitalize on the increased reliance on the pre-owned market. Prospective buyers, whether they’re private citizens or dealerships, will see more value in a vehicle with a well-maintained interior than one with a cabin that’s seen much better days.

Car washes may be seen as a purely cosmetic form of vehicle maintenance. But the benefits of routine and thorough car washes extend far beyond aesthetic appeal.

Basic Fall Car Care

No one likes to think about it yet, but winter will soon be here. There are plenty of things to look forward to in the wintertime: the holidays, vacations, time with family; but the cold weather brings some responsibility with it, too. Everyone knows to take care of their home, but not everyone is up to speed on what it takes to get their car ready for the long nights and short days. All cars need some general maintenance during the winter.

Ice can be a big problem on your way to your car, but it can severely damage the performance of your car if it gets inside it, specifically inside the fuel lines. A bottle of fuel de-icer once a month will help keep those lines open and the fuel flowing. Fuel lines are much more likely to ice up when tanks aren’t full, so keep your tank about half full the entire winter.

Most people know that regular oil changes are essential for the long life of their car. If you are getting close to needing a change and bad weather is on the way, stop into your local shop or make time yourself

to make sure the vital liquid elixir is up to date in your machine.

If your heater isn’t working properly, you’ve probably already noticed the discomfort that comes from a cold ride, but a properly working heating system is also essential for safety. Because the heater is connected to your defroster, poor performance will mean longer times warming up and less visibility as you are driving. Wiper blades covered in rubber will fight the ice build-up associated with bad climates. You’ll also want to keep your windshield washer full. Probably the most important element is a good hand scraper. Many come covered with gloves so you can clean your windshields in the harshest conditions.

Finally, check your tires. Old, worn tires won’t keep you on the road in icy, wet conditions. Look for wearing, particularly if it is uneven, cupping and cuts or nicks on the tires. A flat tire in winter weather puts you in a much worse predicament than one in sunny weather. Make sure your spare tire is in good shape when you do the inspection and all of the equipment is in place before the winter weather arrives.