FA L L / W I N T E R A U T O M O T I V E C A R E G U I D E
On the
Road
• Look out for deer • Choosing a repair shop • Keep teens safe A publication of SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS • October 2015
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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE 2015
High tech can make driving safer More than 420,000 people are injured each year in motor vehicle accidents involving distracted drivers – but technology can help reduce your risk by improving your awareness behind the wheel, no matter how old your vehicle may be. Safe driving starts with smart decisions. The Consumer Electronics Association firmly believes safety is paramount in a moving vehicle, and a driver’s highest priority must be maintaining safe control at all times. That’s why the association supports legislation that bans texting while driving and places strict limits on the use of electronics by novice drivers. The association also developed the Innovating Safety campaign to help consumers and improve awareness and understanding of the broad spectrum of safety-enhancing technologies available today. All kinds of things can distract you when you’re driving – using your phone, daydreaming, talking to your passengers or paying attention to anything other than the road ahead. Statistically speaking, newer drivers are over-represented in fatality and injury crash statistics, and studies have found that teens are more prone to dangerous distractions while driving. For parents wondering what they can do to improve their teenagers’ driving habits, there are all kinds of products available to help. Some products limit cell phone usage and texting abilities and create incentives for good driving behavior. Other devices connect you to your car, even when you’re not in it, letting parents
access information on their teens’ driving habits, set “safety zones” and monitor vehicle location. More advanced driver-monitoring solutions track the driver’s eye movements and whether the driver’s hands are on the wheel. This technology can then initiate corrective action when the driver’s behavior appears to match that of a distracted person. Other high-tech safety products include blind spot indicators, backup cameras and crash avoidance systems that help drivers increase their awareness of other cars, pedestrians and dangerous obstructions. Additionally, voice-activated GPS navigational systems enhance situational awareness. The primary vehicles for most American drivers are more than 11 years old. Fortunately, many technology companies are developing a broad range of aftermarket devices that can be installed seamlessly in most cars to enhance the safety. For expert advice on solutions and installation for your vehicle look for retailers whose installers carry the CEA Mobile Electronics Certified Professionals certification. There are more than 3,500 certified installers in the United States. These experts have the training to ensure you pick the right solution and the skill to install it correctly. After all, smart driving starts with smart decisions. Discover more safe solutions and find out how to get involved in this issue at www. CE.org/InnovatingSafety.
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More people are dying on the roads and the National Safety Council believes the trend will continue. There are ways to reduce risk such as always using a seat belt and never texting while at the wheel.
CHUNG KING – FOTOLIA.COM On the Road
Traffic deaths on the rise Tips to keep your family safe Traffic deaths are on the rise, and experts fear the trend will continue. “While the statistics point out a dangerous trend, we have the ability to influence outcomes through our choices and behavior,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “Take your responsibilities behind the wheel seriously and ensure that you get to your destination safely.” The Safety Council believes the spike in fatal car crashes is due in part to an improving economy. Lower gas prices and lower unemployment rates often lead to an increase in traffic because more people can afford to drive, and many travel long distances and take vacations. To help stay safe on the roads, the council recommends drivers: • Learn about their vehicle’s safety systems and how to use them; • Buckle up for all trips – short and long, even back seat passengers; • Designate a non-drinking driver or arrange alternate transportation; • Get plenty of sleep and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue; • Never use a cell phone behind the wheel, even handsfree; and • Monitor teens’ driving habits. An NSC survey found
many parents are more inclined to loosen household driving rules during the summer. Teen passengers are one of the greatest distractions; and Free resources, such as MyCarDoesWhat.org can help drivers understand the ins and outs of such features as blind spot, lane departure warning systems, and backup cameras. “We believe that by taking the proper precautions, we can make the roads safer and save lives,” Hersman said. Other resources for traffic safety information include: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety was founded in 1947 by AAA to conduct research to address growing highway safety issues. The organization’s mission is to identify traffic safety problems, foster research that seeks solutions and disseminate information and educational materials. MIT AgeLab research on in-vehicle safety technology sponsored by the foundation provides rating information and additional educational resources on advanced safety technologies. For more information, visit www.aaafoundation.org.
• see deaths on page
4
On the
Road 2015/16
FALL/WINTER
AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 EDITOR: .................................................Tracy Ouellette EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: ...............................Sharon Soch CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: ...... Sue Z. Lange ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: ................Vicki Vanderwerff SPECIAL SECTIONS ADVERTISING: ......Karen Dubinsky FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Call (262) 728-3411
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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE 2015
• deaths from page
5
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses – deaths, injuries and property damage – from crashes on the nation’s roads. Founded in 1959, the institute has been a leader in finding out what works and doesn’t work to prevent motor vehicle crashes from happening in the first place and to minimize injuries in the crashes that still occur. In addition to other resources, the Institute provides information on car safety technologies per make and model year. For more information, visit www.iihs.org. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970 and is dedicated to achieving the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety. NHTSA works daily to help prevent crashes and their attendant costs, both human and financial. The administration also conducts research on in-vehicle car safety technologies and provides information on these technologies on its website for researchers and consumers. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov.
SaferCar.gov SaferCar.gov is a website sponsored by NHTSA. The website is dedicated to educating vehicle shoppers on how to purchase safe vehicles and providing vehicle owners with information on vehicle recalls. SaferCar.gov also provides consumers interactive resources for FILE PHOTO On the Road learning about car safety technologies. Lower gas prices and lower unemployment rates often lead to an increase in traffic because more people can afford (STATEPOINT)
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Stay back
Tailgating is most common cause of car crashes
At least 1,500 people a year could avoid getting injured or killed on the road, government and university researchers say, if road rage could be eliminated. One way to do that, according to study.com, is to reduce tailgating, especially by young drivers. The Hartford Courant found the most common “contributing factor” noted by police in crashes caused by new drivers was following another vehicle too closely. Most crashes where tailgating was the primary causal factor happened between 2 and 3 p.m., about the time high school classes are done for the day. In other words, the typical crash caused by a 16- or 17-year-old driver doesn’t involve a car careening off the road during a boozy, late-night joyride. Tailgating is so high on the list of accident causes because stopping involves more than just applying the brakes. It also includes perception time (realization that you need to stop) and reaction time (moving your foot to the brake pedal). At 60 mph, by the time the vehicle begins to slow down, it will have traveled more than 130 feet. Most drivers know they should maintain a minimum of three seconds between a car and the vehicle in front. However, depending on factors such as vehicle condition, size and type, speed, time of day, road and weather conditions, and visibility, the time it takes to fully stop can vary dramatically. For example, a wet road can quadruple the time required to fully stop, and increasing speed from 35 mph to 55 mph nearly doubles the required stopping distance. If you find that a vehicle is tailgating you, remain calm and don’t let ego get in the way of safety. Do not slam on your brakes, honk your horn or use angry gestures. Instead, if there is an alternate lane, safely move over so the other car can pass. If you can’t move over, slowly increase the distance between your car and the one in front of you. That way, if the tailgater hits you, you’re less likely to hit another car. For more information, visit www.accidentattorneys.org. (NAPS)
FILE PHOTO On the Road
Most rear-end crashes occur in the afternoon when school is letting out.
FILE PHOTO On the Road
According to the National Safety Council, half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating high school. Parental involvement is essential to keep the kids safe on the road.
Parents play a big role in
KEEPING TEEN DRIVERS SAFE
F
or teens, getting behind a wheel can seem like an exciting taste of freedom. But too much leeway too soon can have dangerous results. Car crashes are the number one killer of teens, and half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating high school, reports the National Safety Council. Luckily, states with a Teen Safe Driving Coalition are helping change the game. The coalitions – comprised of state and local government, law enforcement, public health agencies, traffic safety and injury prevention organizations, academia, businesses, teens, parents and crash survivors – were established by NSC and The Allstate Foundation. They have worked at the grassroots level for the last four years to educate parents and teens about the risks of teen driving. Coalitions exist in California, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas to offer solutions for parents to help teens be safer. The results have been effective. Crashes involving 15- to 17- year-old drivers in coalition states have dropped nearly 34 percent since the coalitions were established four years ago, whereas non-coalition states have experienced just a 19.5 percent drop, according to NSC analysis of federal fatality data. The coalitions’ success is in part because they promote a program that indisputably saves lives. Graduated Driver Licensing, a proven method of reducing teen drivers’ crash risk by 20 to 40 percent, works by maximizing experience while minimizing common driving risks teens face, such as nighttime driving and carrying teen passengers. This allows new drivers to gain experience with less exposure to high-risk scenarios. All 50 states
and Washington, D.C., have implemented some form of graduated licensing. “Beyond legislation, parents have a role to play as well,” said Kathy Bernstein, senior manager of teen driving initiatives at NSC. “As the number one resource when it comes to teaching teens to drive, parents should stay involved well after teens get their licenses.” With that in mind, Bernstein is offering some life-saving tips to families with new drivers: • Parents should drive with teens regularly even after they receive their license – a minimum of 30 minutes weekly can help ensure that safe driving skills are being employed. • Talk with teens about managing distractions, such as phones – both handheld and hands-free – the radio, other young passengers, and even beautiful roadside scenery. When teens are driving, they must stay focused on the task at hand; • Mile for mile, 16 and 17 year-old drivers are about three times as likelyto be involved in a fatal car crash at night than during the day, according to “Injury Prevention,” a peer review journal. Parents should give teens opportunities to learn nighttime driving skills with an adult supervisor in the car; • One of the best ways for teens to learn to drive is by example – so practice safe habits always; and • Visit the Drive it Home site at www. DriveitHome.org for resources, such as weekly driving lessons and the New Driver Deal, a contract which parents and teens can create together that outlines household driving rules and the consequences for breaking them. “Remember, it’s not whether teens are ‘good kids’ or ‘responsible.’ New drivers share one thing in common -- lack of experience,” says Bernstein. “The more practice driving teens get, the better.”
(STATEPOINT)
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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE 2015
How to improve
winter fuel economy it would if it were riding on fully inflated tires in the summertime. Cold air also is more dense than warm air, and that increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle, which then needs to use more fuel to counter the increased drag. So what can be done to improve fuel economy in the winter? Fortunately, drivers can take several steps to do just that: Protect vehicle Park the vehicle in a garage. Leaving your car in the driveway in the winter means you might have to dig the vehicle out come winter snowstorms. But that’s not the only inconvenience of parking your vehicle outside in the winter, as doing so can adversely affect its fuel economy. When possible, park the car in the garage, as this increases the initial temperature of the engine, engine oil, drive-line fluids, and the vehicle’s cabin. This can shorten the time it takes for the engine to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature while decreasing the engine and transmission friction that negatively impacts fuel efficiency. Skip the lengthy warm up Disregard conventional wisdom. Conventional wisdom has long suggested that idling a vehicle for several minutes will warm up the engine more quickly than simply driving. But many vehicle manufacturers now recommend that drivers idle their vehicles for no more than 30 seconds, noting that idling the car unnecessarily wastes fuel and that driving the vehicle is the fastest way to warm up its engine. If you must warm up the vehicle, stick to the now widely accepted guideline that recommends idling for no more than half a minute. Another nugget of conventional wisdom motorists may want to ignore concerns the motor oil they use in the winter. Many vehicle manufacturers now recommend a specific type of oil to use when driving in cold weather, so follow that advice instead of adhering to past practices that may not have been as fuel efficient.
SUBMITTED PHOTO On the Road
Fuel economy will almost certainly decrease when the mercury drops. But drivers can employ a number of strategies to make their vehicles more fuel efficient in cold weather.
Monitor tire pressure As noted, colder temperatures decrease tire pressure, so drivers should monitor their tire pressure regularly throughout winter to keep their vehicle safe and to ensure they are not wasting fuel. Remove the roof rack Summer adventurists who love tying
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their mountain bike or kayak to their vehicles’ roof rack before heading off to explore parts unknown should remove those roof racks when the temperatures dip. Roof racks increase wind resistance and decrease fuel economy, so remove them during the off seasons.
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Many motorists notice that their vehicles seem to get less miles per gallon in cold weather than in warm weather. That’s not a trick of the brain, as studies have shown that cars do, in fact, have poorer fuel in economy in cold weather. According to the United States Department of Energy, fuel economy tests have indicated that, when driving in shorttrip city driving, a conventional gasoline car’s gas mileage is about 12 percent lower at 20 F than it would be at 77 F. The disparity is even greater in hybrid vehicles, which can see their fuel economy decline by roughly 34 percent when driven at 20 F. Before drivers can understand how to improve their winter fuel economy, it’s beneficial to learn why cold weather has such an adverse effect on a car’s fuel economy. A host of factors combine to reduce fuel economy in the winter. When temperatures dip, engine oil and other drive-line fluids also get colder, and this increases engine and transmission friction. That forces the vehicle to work harder and use more fuel. An engine also takes longer to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature when the weather outside is cold. This won’t have too great an impact on fuel efficiency when taking long trips, but the shorter the trip the less economical the vehicle’s use of fuel will be, as a shorter trip means the vehicle is spending a larger percentage of the overall drive at a less fuel efficient temperature. Another reason fuel economy suffers in the winter is the necessities and certain creature comforts drivers need when driving in the cold weather. Windshield defrosters and vehicle heating systems use a substantial amount of power, and that usage forces the vehicle to expend more energy and use more fuel. And while many drivers consider heated seats one of the greatest automotive inventions known to man, those seats also use up a lot of power that negatively impacts fuel economy. But factors outside the vehicle also impact its fuel economy in the winter. For example, colder temperatures decrease tire pressure, and that increases roll resistance, which means the car must work harder and use more fuel to get down the street than
AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE 2015
Page 7
Not all repair shops are what they’re cracked up to be Auto accidents are more common than you may think. In fact, an estimated 15,000 drivers per day need to find a collision repair shop, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If you find yourself looking for a collision repair shop, body shop or bump shop – whatever you have grown up calling them – remember that all repair shops are not created equal. Today’s high-tech cars and trucks feature more advanced designs and materials, and more changes are coming down the road. With these advances in vehicle technologies, it’s more important than ever that your collision repair shop has the most up-to-date training, and the necessary tools and equipment, to properly fix your vehicle so it is structurally sound in the event of another accident. That’s why you need to ask the right questions when choosing a qualified collision repair shop, even if you have a favorite shop or a friend in the business. Updated training is key One way to know if your collision repair shop has updated training with technicians who have the knowledge to properly fix your vehicle is to look for Gold Class shops. This recognition is awarded by I-CAR, a not-forprofit organization focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of the consumer. Gold Class is recognized by many major automakers and insurers as a standard of excellence, indicating a shop is properly trained to provide complete, safe and quality repairs, which is what you’ll want for your vehicle. In fact, Gold Class shops
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are required to provide training to all their collision repair technicians every year. To help you make a more informed decision, I-CAR recommends asking a few additional questions when you take your damaged vehicle to a collision repair shop: • Does the business have the current Gold Class plaque in its lobby, or the current Gold Class logo on its front door? • Does it display other vehicle maker and/ or industry certifications? • Does the shop have experience working with your make and model of vehicle? • Does it have modern equipment, such as a three-dimensional measuring system, a paint-mixing system and a spray booth? • Does the shop access and follow OEM repair procedures and refer to I-CAR repair guidelines and best practice information? • Is the staff friendly, courteous and willing to answer your questions? • Is the facility clean and well organized? • Does the shop have good word of mouth and reviews? Today, only 10 percent of collision repair shops have completed the rigorous training requirements needed to achieve Gold Class. Is your go-to shop one of them? To see if the repair shop you select is Gold Class, look for the Gold Class logo on the door, a current Gold Class plaque inside or, best of all, check online at www. GoldClass.com for a complete listing of all shops that currently hold the industrystandard designation. The quality and safety of your vehicle, and most importantly, the safety and peace of mind of you and your family, might depend on it. (NAPS)
Brakes are a critical component for maintaining vehicle safety. Whether it’s trying to stop your vehicle on an icy, snow-packed road or slowing down on a rain-soaked highway, properly functioning brakes are key to maintaining control of the vehicle. In an article featured on theautochannel. com, John Nielsen, director, AAA Auto Repair and Buying Services, noted that there are several warning signs that motorists should closely monitor to identify and resolve brake wear before it can impact vehicle safety. “Often, the first sign of worn brakes is a brake pedal that seems to require more pressure to stop the vehicle. Scraping, squeaking or chirping noises that come from
FILE PHOTO On the Road
If you’re in an accident, the Gold Class designation lets you know a collision repair shop has trained technicians who have the knowledge to repair your vehicle properly. Because safety matters—ask.
the wheels when the brakes are applied are other signs of potentially excessive brake wear. A car that pulls to the left or right when the brakes are applied could also mean trouble,” Nielsen said. He further advised consumers to ask for an annual brake inspection when taking their vehicle into an auto repair shop for service. According to Chris Miller, Product Development Engineer, of International Brake Industries , consumers should ask their technician to also inspect their vehicle’s brake hardware in order to ensure that their vehicle receives a complete brake job. He added that, like most mechanical parts, brake hardware will wear out over time and can’t function if the parts are
corroded or stretched. If brake hardware is worn, it can even cause newly installed brake pads to wear out prematurely, reducing the life span of the pads and shoes. Brake hardware – including clips, bolts, rubber bushings, rubber seals and springs – is integral to the proper operation of the vehicle’s entire braking system. To reduce brake noise and drag (that is, brake pad friction, which can affect fuel economy), IBI recently introduced the new line of QuietGlide brake clips. QuietGlide brake clips feature a coating of vulcanized rubber on one side to reduce brake noise and a low-friction PTFE coating on the other side of the clip to reduce drag. For more information, visit www. (NAPS) completebrakejob.com.
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Forget something? Drivers forget where they park and more
Although our everyday routines can be simple and second nature, there’s only so much we can remember. And when it comes to cars and car maintenance, many Americans frequently forget routine tasks according to the latest Gauge Index from Hankook Tire. When running errands, we park our cars, walk into the store, check our lists, pay for what we need, get back in our cars and drive to the next stop. But most Americans have found themselves wandering around a parking lot because they can’t find their car, according to Hankook Tire’s Seasonal Gauge Index. In fact, the Gauge revealed that 55 percent of Americans have forgotten where they parked at least once. Hankook also found that a significant number of drivers have gotten into trouble after parking by locking their keys in the car. Forty-one percent of Americans have had to call a locksmith or find a spare set of keys to get back on the road. When you are in the thick of daily errands, there is likely a need for a fuel stop. The stress that can come with the overwhelming daily list of things to do can distract you from the little things you need to do, like closing the gas cap. One third of Americans have forgotten to put the gas cap back on after fueling up, according to the Gauge Index. Further, more than a quarter of Americans have a tendency to drive off with items on the top of their cars such as groceries, a cup of coffee or even a purse. For those who forget how to get where they need to go, the Gauge Index revealed that 40 percent of drivers use a GPS device to get them headed in the right direction. All of this is a reminder to slow down and remember the little, albeit important details of driving, and make sure that your car is in proper working condition. Hankook Tire wants you to pay attention to car care responsibilities and offers these tips: Fill tires correctly Keep your tires cool and properly filled. Heat can take its toll on tires, so try to park in the shade as often as possible. Filling tires with the correct air pressure also will help keep the temperature down within the serviceable range. Remember to check tire pressure monthly. Rotate your tires Each tire can wear unevenly, and tires on the front axle tend to wear differently than tires on the rear axle. Regular tire rotation ensures more even wear. Tires should be rotated about every 5,000 miles. Choose the right tire While we can forget where we parked, we can also forget what kind of tires are on our car. Make sure your car is running on the right, season-appropriate tires. The Hankook Ventus S1 noble2 is an ideal all-season option so that worrying about your vehicle’s tires is one less thing to fret about. Developed to provide all-season ultrahigh performance it combines cutting-edge appearance with confident handling, traction and control on dry, wet and wintery roads. (BPT)
SUBMITTED PHOTO On the Road
Shoveling out after a snowstorm is a task few people enjoy. However, it is a necessity of the season and one that can be done safely and efficiently.
How to dig out your car after a storm
The arrival of cooler, shorter days is often a precursor to winter storms dominated by snowfall. A snow-covered landscape can make for an appealing image. But heavy snowfall also makes for extra work, especially for drivers who must dig their vehicles out of the snow after each storm. Some people live in suburban areas where they can park their cars in driveways or garages, while others live in cities and have to park on the street, where snowplows can do a wonderful job of burying vehicles underneath mounds of snow. Rescuing a car or truck from a pile of snow can be tricky and time-consuming, but there is a process that can make the job easier. 1. Begin by clearing out the tail pipe of the car. This is a vital first step because failure to do so can back harmful carbon monoxide gas and other fumes into the car. Take the time to clear out the rear of the car, including the taillights, so you will have improved visibility. 2. When the exhaust pipe is clear, turn on the car. Some people prefer to put the defroster on right away. Others wait until the vehicle warms up before doing so. Having a warm car will melt some of the accumulated ice and snow and make it easier for you to clear the car. 3. The right tools make faster work of the task at hand. A shovel is a necessity, and a telescoping snow broom/ice scraper can be helpful. This allows you to safely push the snow off the roof of the car. Some regions fine drivers who do not remove snow from the roofs or hoods of their cars, so take the time
to clean such snow before driving. 4. Work from the top of the vehicle down. Otherwise, you will end up negating all of your work by throwing fresh snow on the areas you already cleared. 5. By now the defrosters should have kicked in sufficiently enough to make it simple to clear snow from the windshield and rear window. Use some deicing windshield fluid to dislodge wiper blades if they have frozen to the windshield. Some drivers leave their wiper blades standing on end and away from the windshield prior to a big storm to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. Consider this trick if you’re especially worried about the blades freezing to the glass. 6. Use your shovel to carefully remove as much snow as possible from around the tires. Be careful not to puncture the tire with a metal shovel. Try to create a tire path in the direction you plan to move the vehicle. So if you will be backing out of the driveway, clear the way behind the car. If traction is a problem, use a bit of rock salt or cat litter behind the tires to give them more grip. Slipping a car mat under the tires also can provide much-needed traction. 7. Exercise caution if you are digging out a car on a busy roadway. Make yourself visible to other motorists and use traffic cones, if you have them, to keep drivers away from your vehicle. Do not shovel the snow in the path of oncoming vehicles.
(METRO CREATIVE)
AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE 2015
Winterize at
KOREY’S AUTO KARE
All-Tech Auto Service, Inc. Your Total Solution
416 S 7th St. Delavan, WI 53115
Don Rhode Jr., Owner
48 W. Beloit St., Darien, WI 53114
262-724-4000
Open M-F 7:30-5:00; Sat. by appt.
(262) 728-2886
221170
262-724-3355 (fax) alltech22@hotmail.com
www.koreysautokare.com
180980
Midtown Auto ELKHORN, LLC “Your Local Independent Tire Dealer”
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324 N. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn, WI 53121
1520 N. Fairway Lane, Elkhorn, WI 53121
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Page 10
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t e Gwise
AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE 2015
Page 11
ABOUT BUYING OR LEASING A VEHICLE
For many people, buying or leasing a car is their first “big ticket” item. Having a plan for how this new vehicle will fit into your budget can help you be confident about your decision and keep your finances in check. “Planning for large purchases can seem daunting, but having the right information about your finances can make it easier to meet your goal,” Mike Kane, vice president of consumer credit operations at Ally Financial, said. “Get prepared so you can walk into the dealership with confidence.” With that in mind, Kane is offering some tips to help you make a smart decision.
Do your research
Sure, you’ll want to research what kind of car and options you want, but also do your financial research. Use free online tools like payment calculators or vehicle valuation guides to help you prepare.
Evaluate wants and needs
You may want the car with all the bells and whistles, but if it doesn’t fit into your budget, it’s not a wise purchase. Decide what you need versus what would be nice to have, and stick to that when negotiating.
Create a doable budget
Whether you buy or lease, you’ll likely have a fixed amount to pay monthly for your new car. But that’s not the only cost to consider. Remember to factor in gas, insurance and any additional costs like maintenance or emergencies. A general guideline is to keep those total costs below 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay.
Know your credit profile
If you are planning to finance a vehicle, your credit score can affect whether you are approved for financing, as well as the rate you will receive. A number of financial institutions, like Ally, have begun providing customers with their FICO credit scores for free. Look into whether your bank is among them. You can also obtain your credit report from each of the credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and Transunion) for free once yearly at annualcreditreport.com.
I
MICHAEL JUNG – FOTOLIA.COM On the Road
If you’re considering buying or leasing a car, brush up on your finances first, so you’ll be better prepared to walk into the dealership.
Understand your options
There are a few different options when buying or leasing a vehicle, such as paying cash, getting a loan from a bank or credit union, or negotiating a retail contract or lease through a dealership. If you finance your vehicle, the length of the finance contract can impact the total amount you pay. The longer you take to pay, the lower your monthly payments will be, but your total cost to finance rises. Visit different dealerships to learn your options. It’s up
to you to decide the best arrangement for your personal financial situation.
Stick with the plan
If you plan to set aside a certain amount regularly for your monthly payment – do it! It’s easier to get ahead and build a savings plan instead of playing catch-up. For more auto-related financial advice and for free resources, visit www.allywalletwise.com.
(STATEPOINT)
How to boost cell phone signal for safer winter travel t’s the bane of every cell phone user – conversations that become garbled and calls that drop. These “dead zones,” usually happen while you’re on the road, and can be frustrating at best, while making you feel exposed and defenseless at worst. However, they also present a critical safety issue when driving during the winter. As winter weather wreaks havoc on roads (never mind cell phone coverage), it becomes more important than ever to stay connected to family and friends – whether it’s to let them know you’re running late, stuck in traffic or in an emergency situation. That’s why zBoost, a Georgia-based company that develops and manufactures cell phone signal boosters, is helping people stay connected no matter where they are, while giving winter travelers a sense of safety and security. “As a realtor in snowy Ohio, I am on the road showing homes or visiting family, and I’m dependent on my mobile phone to stay connected,” Lisa Van Doting said. “Before adding my zBoost Mobile1 cell phone signal booster, I
was frequently in areas with no cell service, which left me disconnected and vulnerable in emergency situations.” The way it works is the zBoost Mobile1 is set up in the interior of any car or truck, and a mobile phone is placed in a sturdy, lightweight cradle (much like cell phones of old). The cradle amplifier connects to the dash-mount bracket and also connects to the vehicle’s 12V power through a power adaptor via a USB cable. The magnetic antenna is mounted on the exterior of the car, which captures the signal outside of the car, brings it in through a narrow cable and amplifies it on the inside for a stronger signal, extending the in-vehicle cell zone (the phone must be in the cradle). The unit also boosts voice and text for all major cell carriers. In addition to reducing dropped calls and combatting dead zones, it also extends the battery life of the phone, includes a hands-free option, and most important, extends your cell phone’s range. For more information, visit www. zboost.com. (NEWSUSA)
FILE PHOTO On the Road
Don’t get stranded on the side of the road without a cell phone signal this winter. Having a cell phone signal booster can keep you and your family safe.
Page 12
AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE 2015
Potential for DEER CRASHES will be high again this fall
Even when hunters have a difficult time finding deer in the woods, the elusive creatures may still be prevalent on Wisconsin roads. October and November are the mating season for deer, and they soon will increase their activity, particularly at dusk and dawn while moving back and forth between their bedding and feeding areas. As they roam, deer may dart unexpectedly onto roads and into the path of vehicles. Last year, Wisconsin law enforcement agencies reported a total of 18,312 deer vs. motor vehicle crashes, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Dane County had the most motor vehicle vs. deer crashes reported in 2014 with 863. Shawano County had the second most with 725 followed by Waukesha County with 700. Deer are the third most commonly struck objects in Wisconsin traffic crashes (behind other vehicles and fixed objects). “To avoid hitting deer with your vehicle, you should slow down whenever you see them nearby. If you see one deer, there are probably more in the area,” DOT Bureau of Transportation Safety Director David Pabst said. “If you can’t avoid a deer in the road, it’s safer to hit the brakes and hit the deer than to swerve suddenly and try to miss it. If you swerve, you risk losing control of your vehicle. You may end up hitting another car or a stationary object like a tree.” Motorcyclists must be especially careful because deer crashes can be fatal. Motorcycles were involved in eight of the 10 fatal deer vs.
motor vehicle crashes in Wisconsin last year. “The one exception to the ‘don’t swerve’ recommendation applies to motorcyclists,” Pabst says. “Motorcyclists should slow down, brake firmly and then swerve if necessary to avoid hitting the deer. If they must swerve, motorcyclists should try to stay within their driving lane to avoid hitting other vehicles or objects.” DOT and the Wisconsin State Patrol offer the following advice to prevent deer crashes: • Be on the lookout for deer, eliminate distractions while driving, and slow down, especially in early morning and evening hours, which are the most active times for deer; • Always buckle up; • If you see a deer by the side of the road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast; • When you see one deer, look for another one; • If you see a deer looming in your headlights, don’t expect it to move away – headlights can confuse a deer causing it to freeze; • Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path; • Don’t swerve suddenly because you may lose control of your vehicle; • If you hit a deer, get your vehicle off the road if possible, and then call a law enforcement agency – walking on a highway is dangerous, so stay in your vehicle if you can; and • Don’t try to move the animal if it is still alive – the injured deer could hurt you. For more information, go to wisconsindot.gov.
FILE PHOTO On the Road
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is warning drivers that the potential for deer vs. car crashes is high this fall.
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