Spring car care

SPRING/SUMMER AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

On the

Road Inside

• Drive smarter, safer • Tips for traveling • Use car seats properly

A publication of SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS • Spring/Summer 2016

Spring clean your car Page 2

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Spring/Summer 2016

TIPS TO GET YOUR CAR IN GREAT CONDITION

For some, spring cleaning is a timehonored ritual, which doesn’t just apply to your house. Remember that your car is likely in desperate need of some attention after the winter months.

“A car that’s well-maintained is safer, cheaper to run, more reliable and can be worth more money at resale time,” Autotrader Executive Editor Brian Moody said.

To help, Autotrader editors are sharing simple spring car care tips to get your car in tip-top shape for the busy driving season ahead: Wash and wax Wash and wax your car thoroughly. If you can afford it, have it professionally detailed. However, if you do it yourself, be sure to use a pressure nozzle in order to rid your car of any leftover road salt or sand from the winter. Direct sunlight can cause a car’s finish to become dull, but a thorough washing and waxing can also help keep your car’s paint and clear coat looking good.

It’s tempting to run the car through an automated car wash, but those big revolving brushes can dull the finish over time. If you’re not allowed to wash your car at home due to regional laws or neighborhood rules, seek out a good drivethru wash and hand wax instead.

Check pressure Check and set your car’s tire pressure to the level specified in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s door sill. As temperatures warm up, the air in your tires can expand and that might impact the way the car handles.

Be sure not to over-inflate the tires.

While low tire pressure can cause the tire to heat up if it’s not rolling down the road properly, extreme over inflation can cause a blowout in high temperatures.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, take your car to a shop like Big-O Tires, Sears Auto Center or Firestone Auto Care Center – those kinds of chains will usually do it for free.

Get it inspected Have a qualified mechanic do a visual inspection under the hood. If you’re comfortable doing this yourself, check for worn belts or hoses and make sure your coolant (sometimes called anti-freeze) isn’t too old. Coolant lasts a long time, but keeping track of when it was last changed, especially in older cars, can help you avoid overheating as the temperatures gradually climb.

More tips for keeping your vehicle in great shape whether it’s hot, cold, or rainy can be found at www.Autotrader.com.

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If you’re like most people, car safety and performance are important to you. But you might be surprised to hear that over 47 million vehicles have unfixed safety recalls – vehicles you might be sharing the road with or driving yourself.

Alarmingly, family-oriented vehicles like SUVs and minivans are the least-often fixed. An auto recall usually occurs when the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finds that a car has a defect or fails to meet federal safety standards.

While repeated attempts are made to reach the owners, the stats suggest that people aren’t well enough informed about recalls, and may not know where to start. To help you stay informed, you can use the free myCarfax.com service to get emails or text alerts about current and future recalls on your car.

FILE PHOTO On the Road

Remember, to keep your car safe, it pays to pay attention to auto recalls.

Fixing recalls helps maintain the safety and value of your car, makes roads safer, and is normally free. Plus, most recall fixes are completed in less than a day.

If your car is recalled, call your local dealer immediately.

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Drive safer at any age using the top vehicle technologies New technologies are responsible for many of the advances, comforts and conveniences of modern life, from the smartphone to wearable items such as “smart” wristwatches and eyeglasses. That’s no different in the car, where new technology is helping people drive more safely.

While cars today may not look much different from previous model years, the latest technology is helping save lives. One in five injury crashes could be prevented or reduced if all passenger vehicles were equipped with specific types of technology, according to a study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Enhancing vehicle safety

In the past, safety features were geared toward protecting drivers and passengers during a crash. Now, newer vehicle technologies have the potential to prevent a collision altogether. Many are already on the market, including – • Smart headlights adjust the range and intensity of light based on the distance of traffic and to reduce glare and improve night vision.

• Collision avoidance systems alert the driver when the vehicle may be in danger of a collision.

• Lane departure warnings monitor the vehicle’s position and warn the driver if the vehicle deviates outside the lane.

• Parking assistance indicates distance to objects, making parking easier, or may enable vehicles to park on their own.

• Adaptive cruise control allows the car to adjust its speed depending on traffic conditions.

“As these technologies become more widely available in new cars today, it’s important all drivers learn how they work and how to use them effectively,” says Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist and executive director of The

Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence. “This is especially true for mature drivers, as many technologies can enhance the driving experience as we age.”

Top technologies among mature drivers Drivers ages 50 to 69, according to a new study from The Hartford and the MIT AgeLab, are most willing to adopt the following vehicle technologies – 1.) Blind-spot warning systems, 2.) Back-up cameras, 3.) Smart headlights, 4.)

Collision avoidance systems, and 5.) lane departure warnings.

A majority of participants indicated they are willing to purchase these five technologies, are likely to use them, and think they are worth having.

These technologies can help keep drivers safe and feeling confident behind the wheel. For example, back-up cameras can help drivers with reduced flexibility to see behind the vehicle, and blind-spot warning systems may help drivers with limited range of motion be more comfortable while driving.

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Page 3

FILE PHOTOS On the Road

(Above) ) Blind-spot warning systems warn drivers of objects in blind spots, especially while changing lanes and parking. (Top) Back-up cameras warn of objects behind the vehicle to help drivers judge distances and reverse more safely. They’re just one of the newer technology options available when purchasing a vehicle.

On the

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SPRING/SUMMER

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

The importance of learning about vehicle technology

Learning more about how vehicle technologies work is a smart step to keeping drivers safer on the road. Many new cars already include some safety technologies, and all new cars will be required to have back-up cameras by May 2018.

Staying current on the latest features available – and using them appropriately – may help all drivers, including mature drivers, stay safe behind the wheel.

To learn more, drivers can download a free vehicle technology guidebook and take an interactive video quiz at thehartford.com/cartech.

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A new car vs. your used car – Page 4

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Spring/Summer 2016

What’s the greener option?

Buying a new car to reduce your carbon footprint seems logical. But surprisingly, keeping the vehicle already in your garage, or replacing it with a more fuel efficient used car may be a greener choice. That’s because it takes a lot of energy and raw materials to manufacture a new vehicle.

“It varies between models, but it is reasonable to estimate building a new $30,000 midsize car will generate greenhouse gases that are the equivalent of 14 metric tons of CO2,” says RockAuto.com Vice President, Tom Taylor.

The average car on the road is about 11 years old. EPA data shows that vehicles (cars and trucks) built in 2005, on average, emit 447 grams of CO2 per mile.

A 2016 vehicle is expected to generate about 90 grams less than that every mile. Producing less CO2 is good, but it would take more than 150,000 miles of driving for that 90 grams in CO2 savings to add up and compensate for the 14,000 kg (14 metric tons of CO2) it took to build the new car. Especially for someone who does not drive a lot, it could be greener to just keep a well-maintained older vehicle than to build a new one.

How much do you save with an electric car?

Electric cars do not have tailpipes, but an electric car is still on the hook for “upstream CO2” emitted by the utility, which provides the electricity for the car. The EPA estimates upstream CO2 is around 100 grams per mile for most electric vehicles. That is a whopping 347 grams less than what is produced by the average vehicle built in 2005.

The environmental cost of servicing older cars

FILE PHOTO On the Road

Many smaller parts like alternators and major parts like engines and transmissions can be remanufactured. Remanufacturing means only the components that experience wear are replaced. Metal housings and other major pieces can be cleaned, refinished and reused.

What about the CO2 equivalent discharged while making parts to fix an older car? Brake pads, struts, tires and other parts wear out as the miles pile up. Fortunately, unless the vehicle is involved in an accident, the structure that makes up most of a car will never need to be replaced.

“Remanufacturing saves more than 80 percent of the energy and raw materials required to build a new part from scratch,” Taylor says. Less energy and materials means less CO2.

Car manufacturers are using more recycled materials and updating factories to use less energy. Government mandates require future vehicles become increasingly more fuel-efficient. “Upstream CO2” may decline as utility companies find new, greener ways to generate electricity. Nevertheless, keeping your current car well maintained or buying a more fuel-efficient used car are currently great choices if you want to be green.

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CHILD SAFETY SEAT

guidelines for parents

Parents of young children may need to brush up on their knowledge of child safety seats and seat belt restraints. Many are still operating in adherence to older guidelines that go back more than a decade. As a result, parents should re-educate themselves in order to ensure child safety.

In guidelines published in April of 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics made some modifications to the period of time a child should be kept in a rear-facing seat. Prior to 2011, parents were told it was safest for infants and toddlers to ride rear-facing up to the limits of the car seat or when children reached 12 months in age and 20 pounds.

But new guidelines advise that children should be kept rear facing until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat.

“A rear-facing child safety seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash, because it distributes the force of the collision over the entire body,” says Dennis Durbin, MD, FAAP, the lead author of the new policy.

Transport Canada says children should be kept in rear-facing seats until they outgrow them. There are some rear-facing seats that will accommodate children up to 20 kg (40 pounds). As

CAR SEAT EXPIRATION In addition to using the right car seat for a child’s age, weight and height, drivers should also be aware to check the expiration dates of seats they already have.

While a car seat will not grow moldy after a few years, it does “expire,” meaning it is no longer deemed safe for use. That’s because these seats are not built to last forever. Hairline cracks may form in the plastic, and the harness belts may become stretched or more elastic after years of use.

Manufacturers do not test safety seats after a certain period of time, so they cannot state how they will perform in an accident after many years. Most seats will feature a label on the bottom that indicates when the seat is likely to become unsafe – typically between five and six years after manufacture.

It can be tempting to borrow a used car seat from a friend or family member to save money, but if the seat is older parents could be putting children at risk.

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long as the child is still below the weight and height limit of the current child seat, they should continue to face the back of the car.

Rear-facing seat recommendations weren’t the only ones to be modified in 2011. New advice on booster seats for older children were also presented. The AAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say children should ride in a belt-positioning booster – which is the high-back booster seat that provides a guide for the vehicle’s seat belt – until they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches and between 8 to 12 years old.

Vehicle seat belts are designed to fit an average adult. In order to get the best protection, children usually need a booster seat until they are about 4 feet 9 inches tall and weigh between 80 to 100 pounds. Smaller children may need to remain in a booster a little longer than anticipated.

Transport Canada advises that as long as a child still fits within the manufacturer’s weight and height limits for the booster seat, it is safer for the child to remain in the booster seat rather than wear a regular seat belt. Canadians also are urged to check with their province or territory for specific laws concerning when a child can move to a seat belt.

Children should not ride in the front seat of a car until they are age 13 or older. Parents of preteens who were under the impression that booster seat days were coming to an end will need to keep the safety seats in the car a few years longer. But safety seats should not be placed in an area of the car where an air bag can be deployed.

Parents and other adult drivers may want to heed some other safety precautions before a child is upgraded to a new seat: • a seat belt should never be placed under a child’s arm; • children should always be buckled up in a booster seat with both the shoulder and lap belt; • the seat belt should fall across the shoulders and the lap belt should rest on the upper thighs when a child is in the seat of a car – if the seat belt rubs against the neck, the child is not yet tall enough to give up a booster seat; • mirrors placed in the rear seat of the car can help parents see their children in rear-facing toddler seats; • children who cannot be trusted to keep a seat belt latched should not be moved from a five-point harness to a regular seat belt; and • parents unsure if their children are buckled up correctly can have the seat checked at a police station or first aid building.

Keeping children safe means heeding warnings and guidelines regarding safety restraints. It is not advisable to upgrade a child into the next seat until he or she has met all the measurement requirements set in place.

(METRO CREATIVE)

SUBMITTED PHOTO On the Road

Guidelines say children should be kept in rear-facing car seats until they are 2 years old, or have reached the height and weight limit on their seat.

Five common mistakes most parents make when using car seats Four million babies are born in the United States each year and that means more than 4 million new car seats are being installed.

While great strides have been made to ensure that every infant rides in a car seat, unfortunately, parents are making five critical, but fixable, mistakes when using car seats, according to new data announced

by Safe Kids Worldwide and the General Motors Foundation.

“Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent,” says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “Engineers are working hard to ensure cars and car seats are designed to keep kids as safe as possible. But it’s up to every parent to take full advantage of these innovations by making sure car seats are used and

car seats continued on page 8

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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Spring/Summer 2016

Here comes the rain Expert tips for wet weather driving

When it comes to driving in the rain, windshield wipers, headlights and brakes will only get you so far. More than 1 million car crashes occur each year as a result of weather conditions, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Most of them have to do with wet roadways, and many of them could likely be prevented by the right set of tires.

As El Niño looms in the West, and the inevitable April showers approach elsewhere, drivers across the United States should turn their attention to the rubber that meets the proverbial – and also very literal – wet road.

Nearly a quarter of all car crashes are caused by weather, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Of those, nearly three quarters can be attributed to wet pavement. When roadways are slick, dangers such as skidding and hydroplaning quickly become concerns.

Tires can be the best defense against such hazards, as a healthy, reliable set of tires will give your vehicle the traction it needs to safely stop and corner on slick roadways. Before the tires can do their job, drivers will need to take a few steps of their own.

Before you hit the road, know what to look for on your tires.

Tire tread helps to channel rainwater safely between your tires and the road – but only if there’s enough tread available to do so. When new, tire tread runs 9/32 of an inch deep. Tires are legally worn out with just 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining, but this doesn’t leave enough depth in wet conditions.

Tire Rack, America’s largest independent tire tester and consumer-direct source for tires, makes an even safer recommendation.

“When rain is a concern, as it will be for much of the U.S. throughout the spring, drivers should replace

wet weather continued on page 8

Help -

FILE PHOTO On the Road

When you’re in an accident, confidently find a collision repair shop whose technicians are trained to perform complete, safe and quality repairs. Go to www.GoldClass.com/locator to find a Gold Class shop.

I’ve had a car accident

If you are involved in one of the 7 million traffic crashes reported annually, you know that getting in a car accident can be extremely stressful and make you feel helpless. You numbly check that everyone on board is OK, your mind racing as you try to sort out what will get you safely back on the road.

While you can’t eliminate the stress and inconvenience of a car accident, you can reduce it by following these three tips learned from leading insurance organizations.

Take immediate action, report the accident and have your vehicle properly repaired by a qualified shop that will perform a complete, safe and quality repair. About 65 percent of vehicles involved in traffic crashes will require repairs.

Take immediate action • Calmly assess the situation. Is anyone injured?

Is there broken glass, fire, smoke or other potential hazards?

• Call 911 to report injuries and the accident • If no one is injured and your vehicle is drivable, move your car to a safe place and turn on your hazard lights. Otherwise, leave your car where it is.

Report the accident • If other drivers are involved, exchange insurance and other information, including contact information, vehicle make and model, license plate number and witness information.

• Get a copy of the police report, which may be required to file a claim.

• Call the number on your insurance card to report the accident and file a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to get your claim number.

FILE PHOTO On the Road

Driving in the rain is never fun, but with the right tires, it can at least be safer. When the rubber meets the road, make sure it’s up for the job.

Have your vehicle properly repaired • If your vehicle needs a repair to make it drivable, do your homework to identify a collision repair shop near the accident – whether that’s home or elsewhere.

• If the vehicle is not drivable and you are far away from home, you shouldn’t expect insurance to pay for

towing or shipping it to your house.

When it comes to investing the time to find a qualified repair facility, people do more research to buy a TV. Fortunately, there is a way to find a collision repair shop with updated training and technicians who have the knowledge to properly fix your vehicle – one that’s more dependable than broad online searches or referrals from friends and family –since not all shops are trained in today’s latest repair methods and vehicle technologies.

Gold Class shops are designated by I-CAR, an independent not-for-profit organization focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of the consumer. Gold Class shops employ trained specialists who have undergone rigorous annual training.

Whether you’re at home or out of town, you can find a Gold Class shop at www.GoldClass.com/locator.

All you need is the local zip code.

At the repair shop, service personnel should tell you • How their technicians make the right decisions for a safe repair • How they find hidden damages that others might not see • How they decide which parts to repair and which to replace.

If you also need a rental vehicle, choosing a Gold Class shop may get you back into your vehicle sooner and reduce the time you need your rental car.

An Enterprise Rent-A-Car report found that customers using the country’s top 500 Gold Class facilities needed 31 percent less rental car time than the national industry average – and that can save you money.

It’s important to remember the three key tips if you are involved in a car accident – Take immediate action, report the accident and do your homework to get your vehicle repaired by a qualified shop that will perform a complete, safe and quality repair. Visit www.GoldClass.com/locator.

(NAPS)

Spring/Summer 2016

Page 7

Road trip!

Tips for drivers heading out on a spring excursion

SUBMITTED PHOTO On the Road

Pack a vehicle safely and make sure it is maintained before heading out on your first road trip of the season.

How-to pack a car safely This is the prime season for road trips, which many people feel are the most affordable vacation option available. They also provide unsurpassed views of the countryside and the ability to slow down and customize the trip as desired.

Packing the car for a road trip can be complicated.

Although the goal may be to cram as much as possible into the car and get on the road quickly, part of the safety plan for this year’s adventure should include packing properly to avoid injury.

Americans and Canadians combined drive trillions of miles in any given year. Although it is difficult to make a direct comparison between how many people choose driving as opposed to flying, when comparing data from the Federal Highway Administration and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, for every mile Americans flew they drove about six more in 2011.

With so many miles clocked on the road, it is essential to make the experience as safe as possible – and that means properly securing belongings in a vehicle before getting on the road.

In 2009, a laptop computer became a projectile that killed its owner. Heather Storey of Surrey, British Columbia, was driving to work when her vehicle was hit by a tow truck. Her laptop was propelled at such a force that it caused a deadly injury to her head.

Unsecured or improperly packed items in a car or truck have the potential to cause serious injury when on the road or, at the very least, may obscure visibility when driving, says Consumer Reports. The organization and others offer drivers a series of tips that can help make travel safer.

Adjust tire pressure prior to travel. Consult the owners manual to determine the proper tire pressure when the vehicle is carrying a full load. This will not only help alleviate unnecessary wear and tear on the tires, but also can help to prevent a tire blow-out.

Know the car’s limits. It also is important to stay below the maximum permitted weight or maximum

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

load capacity for the car or truck. Consumer Reports says that the capacity for small SUVs can span from 825 pounds to 1,155 pounds. Midsize SUVs may carry anywhere from 900 pounds to 1,405 pounds.

Minivan capacities can vary significantly as well. The load capacity is specified in the owner’s manual.

Store the heaviest items at the lowest, most central part of the vehicle. This helps reduce effects on handling that can lead to problems with steering or braking. Drivers should keep the overall center of gravity lower to help reduce the risk of rollover.

Make sure everything is secured in the car or truck.

Use crates or boxes to house smaller items. Use straps or rope to tie down anything loaded in the back of a truck or SUV to the vehicle’s cargo anchors. Load as much as you can into a car’s trunk to avoid having loose items rolling around inside the passenger area.

Keep a clear view of mirrors and the rear of the vehicle. Do not pack any items higher than the level of the rear seats. Not only can these items fly forward in the event of sharp braking or a crash, but they also may obscure the driver’s view of the road.

Invest in a roof rack or cargo box. Only place light items on the roof of the car so you can free up interior space. Secure roof items tightly, as they will be caught by the updraft while driving and you do not want to send them airborne and onto the roadway. Also, if you do use the roof for storage, be aware of how much taller the items will make your vehicle so you know if you can safely drive beneath underpasses.

Make sure passengers can be seated safely.

Packing a car doesn’t always mean being able to fit suitcases and belongings. It also means ensuring passengers can ride safely. Do not seat more passengers than can be restrained by the seat belts in the car. If there is not enough room, it is safer in the long run to take two cars.

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Spring is a season of rebirth for many people, who welcome the warm weather with open arms, especially those who just endured a harsh winter. Spending time outdoors when the weather warms up is a popular pastime for many people each spring.

Road trips taken by college kids or high schoolers hitting the road for spring break or professionals and parents packing up the car for a weekend getaway have become synonymous with spring. A road trip is a great way to get outdoors and make the most of a warm day, but there are a few tricks of the trade drivers can employ to ensure their road trips are as enjoyable as possible.

Give your car a good wash. Drivers who live in areas with heavy snowfall should give their vehicles a thorough cleaning before hitting the road for a spring road trip. Salt and sand can build up on a vehicle over the course of a snowy winter, so a power washing will help remove excess salt, sand or dirt and help the car run more smoothly.

Get the vehicle a tune-up. A tune-up, including an oil change, should be part of your trip planning. Make sure winter hasn’t caused any damage to the vehicle’s body and ask your mechanic to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s suspension and brakes. If any problems arise, address them before embarking on your road trip.

Subscribe to a roadside assistance program. Roadside assistance programs, whether it’s AAA or a program offered through your insurance company, provide a measure of security to road-trippers. Many roadside assistance programs provide variety of emergency assistance for members, including: towing service if your vehicle cannot start or operate safely; battery service if your car’s battery needs a jump; flat tire service if you get a flat tire and don’t have a spare or cannot change the tire yourself; fuel delivery service if your car runs out of gas; and lockout service if you lock your keys in the car. Keep your membership card in your wallet and store their customer service number in your cellular phone should you accidentally lose your membership card or lock it inside your car.

Bring cash as well as credit cards on the trip. When embarking on a road trip, don’t assume you will have ready access to an ATM on your trip or at your destination. While it’s a good idea to bring some cash along on the trip, bring a credit card or cards as well should you find yourself with no cash. A major credit card, such as a Mastercard, American Express or Visa, is likely to be accepted at most filling stations.

Invest in a road navigation system. A road navigation system can be your best friend, helping you find your way in places with which you are unfamiliar. Road navigation systems can alert you to traffic conditions while providing (METRO CREATIVE) directions and alternate routes.

SUBMITTED PHOTO On the Road

A road navigation system is a good investment for drivers about to embark on a road trip. The systems can alert drivers to traffic conditions, where to fill up, help find a room for the night or locate a place to eat.

Page 8

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Spring/Summer 2016

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Although the check engine light may look scary lit up on the dashboard, you don’t need to panic. A glowing check engine light doesn’t mean you have to immediately pull the car to the side of the road – it does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible.

“Motorists should not get spooked when the check engine light comes on,” says Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council, the source for the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign promoting regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. “When illuminated, the check engine light usually means that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly.”

Possible problems Some common malfunctions that can cause the light to illuminate include a faulty oxygen sensor, mass airflow sensor, or spark plugs and wires. If the light flashes, the condition is more critical and must be checked immediately to prevent severe damage, which may include catalytic

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“Even if the vehicle appears to be running normally, ignoring the warning light could result in more costly repairs,” adds White. “At the very least, the light could be alerting you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy and costing you money.”

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installed correctly.”

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death to children ages 1 to 13. In a nationwide effort to educate parents about the importance of car seat safety, Safe Kids and the General Motors Foundation are asking every parent to take 15 minutes for an at-home car seat checkup using the Safe Kids downloadable checklist.

The checkup provides the following important tips that will help parents begin to ensure their car seat is used and installed properly: Right seat. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height. Like milk, your car seat has an expiration date. Just double check the label on your car seat to make sure it is still safe.

Right place. Kids are VIPs, just ask them. We know all VIPs ride in the back seat, so keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.

Right direction. You want to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age 2.

When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat.

Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors.

Inch test. Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base.

Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.

Pinch test. Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check car seat manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder.

If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go.

The at-home checklist is meant to be a first step. Parents are encouraged to read the vehicle and car seat instruction manuals to help with the checklist. Parents are also encouraged to bring their car, car seat and child to certified child passenger safety technicians, who are waiting to help. Safe Kids hosts car seat inspection events across the country throughout the year.

To download a Safe Kids Car Seat Checklist or to find a car seat checkup event in your area, visit www.safekids.org.

(BPT)

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their tires when they reach 4/32 of an inch of remaining tread depth,” product information specialist at Tire Rack Woody Rogers said. “By the time you reach 2/32 of an inch, your tires won’t have enough tread to avoid hydroplaning.”

To make sure that your tread is deep enough to keep your tires firmly rooted on the surface of the road, Tire Rack recommends a simple quarter test. Place a quarter upside down into the grooves on your tires. If some part of George Washington’s head is covered by tread, then you have at least 4/32 of an inch left.

“The difference between 2/32 of an inch and 4/32 is admittedly very small, but the impact on safety is quite large,” Rogers said.

If hydroplaning occurs, coast carefully.

Hydroplaning happens when water on

a roadway and vehicle speed combine to cause one or more of your tires to lift from the surface of the road. When this happens, the vehicle’s steering wheel will likely jerk, and the vehicle could pull abruptly toward the puddle.

“Slowing down in rainy conditions is always a good idea, but it may not be enough for the surprise waiting up ahead.

Having the appropriate tread depth is a must for preventing hydroplaning,” Rogers said. “If you do hydroplane, grasp the steering wheel firmly and avoid slamming on the brakes. Braking could end up worsening the skid, causing you to lose even more control of the vehicle.”

Tire Rack offers more expert tips and finds the right tires for your vehicle at www.tirerack.com.

(BPT)

Spring/Summer 2016

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Page 9

Three dangerous driving distractions that may surprise you By now, almost everyone knows the dangers of texting or talking on a cellphone while driving. But phones aren’t the only distractions drivers should be aware of. Experts say that anything that draws your attention away from the road can be a potential cause of an accident. That includes actions and situations as innocuous as snacking behind the wheel or postponing a bathroom break.

Most adults who drive regularly admit to engaging in distracting behaviors while behind the wheel, according to a Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll. Eighty-six percent eat or drink while driving, 59 percent use a hand-held cellphone, 41 percent fiddle with their GPS device, 37 percent text and 14 percent apply makeup, according to the poll.

“Distracted driving can be deadly driving,” says Julie Lee, vice president and national director of AARP Driver Safety.

“Researchers are finding that any type of distraction is risky, not just the ones we typically think of as dangerous, like texting or talking on the phone.”

In fact, a study led by Dr. Peter Snyder, vice president of research for Lifespan, a Rhode Island-based health system, found that a strong urge to urinate can impair your functioning as effectively as drinking alcohol or being sleep deprived. And the effects of hunger, thirst and tiredness on attention spans and reflex times have been well known for years.

Here are three other potentially distracting behaviors and situations that you might not view as risky:

Eating and/or drinking

We all do it, especially when we’re in a hurry to make an appointment, have skipped a meal or just can’t make it through the rest of the drive without a cup of joe. But eating or drinking while driving involves taking at least one hand – and part of your attention – off the wheel.

Consider the 2011 case of a woman in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Police said she hit a guardrail and flipped her Subaru when she spilled hot coffee during her morning drive.

Fortunately, she sustained only minor injuries.

Restraining your pet can help minimize driver distractions, restrict the pet’s movement in case of a crash, and protect pets from potentially being harmed by inflating airbags.

Unrestrained pets

Rubbernecking

Many pet owners think of their dogs as their children.

But while they’re diligent about buckling up the kids and grandkids, they don’t always secure their dogs while in the car. Allowing your pet to ride unrestrained – in your lap, beside you or in the backseat – is dangerous for you and him.

A survey by AAA and Kurgo Pet Products found that 65 percent of respondents had participated in at least one dogrelated distracting behavior while driving, such as petting (52 percent) or allowing the dog to sit in their lap (17 percent).

SUBMITTED PHOTO On the Road

Remember to buckle up Fido; restraining your pet in the car will protect him as well as you.

Slowing down or pulling over to get a better look at an accident not only displays a lack of tact, it could also cause another accident. If your eyes are on the crash you’re approaching – or passing – they’re not on the road ahead of you.

As recently as August 2012, police in Greenbelt, Md., cited rubbernecking as the probable cause of a double accident that shut down a major highway during morning rush hour. A Maryland State Police spokesperson told the

Greenbelt Patch that police see rubbernecking accidents “all the time.”

“Although drivers age 50 and older are less likely to engage in distracting behaviors like texting or using a hand-held cellphone behind the wheel, they may face other challenges, such as natural changes in vision, hearing and reaction times,” says Lee. Brushing up on driving skills can help older drivers manage health-related changes that may come with age.

AARP’s Driver Safety course is specifically designed to help people 50 and older refresh their driving skills.

To find a classroom course near you, visit www.aarp.org/ drive or call (888) 227-7669, or sign up for an online course.

Courses are available in English or Spanish.

(BPT)

GIVE YOUR CAR A BRAKE If you’re like most motorists, you’re concerned about safety. In fact, research shows that vehicle safety is a top motivator for most motorists when it comes to vehicle maintenance and the brake system is at the top of the vehicle safety checklist.

“Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually they’re going to need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons,” explained Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle operation and control under a variety of conditions.

However, many motorists are unaware of the signs and symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair.”

What to look for

It’s important to be alert and recognize the warning signs of brake trouble. If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, you should inspect your brakes. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.

What to do

For routine maintenance, check your vehicle’s braking system at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a testdrive to detect other potential brake system problems.

What not to do

Several factors that affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material.

“Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repair, such as letting the brakes get to the ‘metal-to-metal’ point, which can be potentially dangerous and lead to a more costly repair bill,” White added. “If you haven’t checked your brakes in the past year, it’s a great time to ‘give your car a brake’ and make sure it’s in safe working condition.”

The Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promotes the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

For a “Car Care Guide” or more information, visit www.carcare.org.

(NAPS)

SUBMITTED PHOTO On the Road

Car care experts say don’t stop short of checking brakes routinely and repairing or replacing when necessary.

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Car care tips that can extend the life of your vehicle There is no truer saying than, “Take care of your car and it will take care of you.” Taking care of your vehicle should be at the top of your priority list when you rely on it to transport you, your family and friends.

You don’t have to be a mechanical expert to take care of your car, you just need to be aware of what needs to occur and keep a regular schedule to ensure the safety and life of your car.

Check your oil

Checking and changing oil is important to keeping your car’s engine running properly and efficiently. Check your owner’s manual for what viscosity oil you should use and oil change interval recommendations.

The type of motor oil you use is just as important as making sure it’s changed regularly. Many cars are now coming from the factory filled with synthetic oil. If your car didn’t come with synthetic, consider switching from conventional to premium synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple.

Using synthetic oil will allow you to go longer between oil changes, usually up to 10,000 miles depending on your driving habits. Fewer oil changes means money saved and less oil deposited back into the environment.

It’s also important to know how to check your oil between changes. Locate where to check your oil under the hood, and make sure you’re parked on a level surface for an accurate reading. If you need to top-off your oil, make sure you don’t overfill, or you could damage the engine.

What is ATF?

If your car has an automatic transmission, the Automatic Transmission Fluid or ATF protects against transmission breakdown, corrosion system wear and oxidation. Checking your ATF level is similar to checking your oil level, but with the car running. The usual recommendation for change interval is about every 30,000 miles.

Battery check

Like other car parts that have been made to last longer, most car batteries are maintenance-free and can last more than three years. The first sign that may indicate you need a new battery is if you have trouble starting the engine.

See clearly

One of the most neglected basic car care tips is taking care of your windshield wipers. You should change your wipers every 12 months or if the rubber becomes worn. You will also want to check the wiper fluid reservoir and keep it full.

Basic car care is an easy first step in making sure your car stays on the road longer. Regular maintenance checks can also catch needed repairs before they become big dollar items.

(BPT)

SUBMITTED PHOTO On the Road

Keeping an eye on your car’s oil level and changing the oil regularly will help keep your vehicle running smoothly.

SUBMITTED PHOTO On the Road

There are many ways to save money on your auto insurance, just make sure that a low price doesn’t sacrifice coverage.

SEVEN WAYS to save on auto insurance What you pay for your auto insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending on what type of car you drive, your accident history and the insurance company that provides the policy.

To save money on your auto insurance policy, keep these seven tips in mind: 1. Ask about discounts. You may qualify for one if you haven’t had any accidents or moving violations for several years. If you drive a lower than average number of miles a year, you may qualify for low mileage discounts.

Ask your insurance agent about discounts for: • antitheft devices; • defensive driving courses; • long-time customers; • insuring more than one car; • no accidents in three years; • no moving violations in three years; and • student drivers with good grades.

2. Get multiple quotes. Rates can vary greatly and they change often. Review your coverage at least annually.

3. Reduce coverage on older cars. Consider dropping collision or comprehensive coverage on older cars. If the car is worth less than 10 times the annual premium, buying coverage may not be costeffective. You can look up the value of your car at Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com.

4. Ask for a higher deductible. Deductibles are what you pay out before your insurance kicks in.

By getting higher ones, you can lower your costs substantially. Before choosing a higher deductible, however, set aside enough money to pay for needed repairs.

5. Bundle your insurance. You can often get a break if you buy two or more types of insurance from the same provider, such as auto and homeowners. You may also get a discount if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company.

6. Compare costs. Some companies offer a discount if you drive a hybrid or low-profile car.

Before you buy a new or used car, check into the insurance costs.

7. Maintain a good credit record. Most insurers factor credit into pricing auto insurance policies.

To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don’t get more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record regularly and have any errors corrected promptly.

Talk with your friends, family and co-workers about the discounts they receive and ask your insurance agent about discounts specifically available to you.

For more information, visit www.wellsfargo.com/ insurance.

(NAPS)

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR VEHICLE’S FUEL EFFICIENCY Your car can go farther for less if you take a few steps to keep it efficient.

It helps to take meticulous care of your vehicle by following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules and using the right products inside and out.

This includes getting your oil changed, rotating your tires, checking hoses and belts for wear, replacing worn windshield wipers and keeping your vehicle clean.

Another way to extend the life of your vehicle and improve fuel efficiency is to make sure your fuel system is clean. To help, here are a few fuel system basics: What does a fuel system do? A fuel system’s job is to properly maintain fuel demand. The fuel is eventually sprayed from the fuel injectors into the intake stream and into the combustion chamber.

What does a fuel system consist of? Depending on whether it’s a return or a returnless fuel system, it can consist of the fuel tank, fuel pump, sending fuel lines, fuel rail, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator and

returning fuel lines. If you have a returnless system, there is no fuel pressure regulator or return fuel lines.

How do I know my fuel system needs to be cleaned? If your fuel injectors have become clogged from deposits, they are not able to provide the wide and fine spray of fuel needed for the spark to ignite it.

There are a few signs that may indicate you need to clean your fuel system: you are getting lower gas mileage; there is a hesitation when you put your foot on the gas pedal; and you are experiencing a loss of power when driving your vehicle.

One easy and convenient solution is to use a total fuel system cleaner such as Max-Clean by premium synthetic lubricant manufacturer Royal Purple. It can clean fuel lines and injectors, restore fuel economy and reduce both engine buildup and tailpipe emissions by deeply penetrating and cleaning injectors, carburetors, intake valves and combustion chambers. For more information, (NAPS) visit www.royalpurple consumer.com.

Zero-crash future WITH CONNECTED VEHICLES Page 12

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Spring/Summer 2016

By Jim Barbaresso

In congested highway traffic, for example, you may not see a driver braking hard several car lengths ahead of you. But your connected car, communicating wirelessly with the vehicles around it, will sense the abrupt slowdown, alert you, and assist you in stopping your vehicle before a collision.

space between them. That means every lane of traffic in a congested city could carry three times its current capacity.

Combining vehicle connectivity and automation will deliver incredible change –undoubtedly the biggest change to mobility in America since the advent of the automobile itself.

The technology is here. Carmakers are beginning implementation. The time for public education is now. Drivers will need to understand where their personal information is going and how it will be used – especially considering 80 percent of Americans worry about privacy with new transportation technologies.

The survey, however, also indicates that most would grant access to their travel and vehicle information if it guaranteed safer roads or lower gas prices.

National Safety Council statistics indicate that nearly 40,000 Americans may lose their lives in car accidents this year. With the technology available today that is proven to prevent fatal accidents, we have a moral obligation to implement it as quickly as possible. Businesses and governments, however, must work together to guarantee the FILE PHOTO On the Road privacy of personal travel data.

New technology could mean greatly reduced auto accidents and congestion,

Other benefits

Learn more

CONTRIBUTOR

Imagine – someday, people will talk about traffic accident fatalities as a thing of the past. Crashes will be eradicated, thanks to an onslaught of new technologies that eliminate human error behind the wheel, the cause of 90 percent of roadway mishaps today.

A new America THINKS survey found 71 percent of Americans expect emerging technologies, such as connected and automated vehicles, to improve safety.

A zero-crash future is hugely compelling.

It’s also only possible with the lightning-fast collection and processing of huge amounts of data. Connected vehicle-to-vehicle technologies sense the speed, direction, size, position and location of every other car nearby and use the data to assist human decision-making.

Safer roads

If cars don’t crash, vehicles can drive in platoons at high rates of speed and with less

and increased speeds.

For further facts and insights, visit www. hntb.com.

Jim Barbaresso is the practice leader of Intelligent Transportation Systems and

emerging technologies for HNTB Corp., an infrastructure solutions firm.

(NAPS)

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