Auto Connection Spring 2018 by Mitchell Republic

CAR GUIDE CAR GUIDE A special supplement to The Daily Republic and ADvisor • APRIL

2018

A special supplement to The Daily Republic and ADvisor • APRIL 2018

Four simple ways to extend the life of your vehicle By Jake Shama For The Daily Republic As winter thaws away, the manager of one of Mitchell’s largest independent auto repair centers urged all drivers to undergo routine maintenance for their vehicles. “With routine maintenance, you find the not-so-much-everyday problems,” said Shawn Hohn, manager of Larry’s I-90 Service in Mitchell. Through an oil change or tire rotation, Hohn said mechanics can find leaks or damage to other areas of the vehicle. Many drivers do seek maintenance during the springtime, Hohn said, when water splashes under the wheel wells or as people start driving with their windows down and become more aware of the noises their vehicles make. “They start to hear brakes squeak and the engine when it speaks, suspension squeaks that you sometimes can’t hear with the windows up,” Hohn said. Automobiles are significant investments. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price for light vehicles was $34,968 in January 2017,

marking a 3 percent increase from just a year earlier. The decision to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new vehicle is not one consumers should take lightly. Once drivers purchase their new vehicles, they can protect their investments and get greater returns on those investments by prioritizing maintenance and taking simple yet effective steps to extend the lives of their cars and trucks. 1. Drive defensively. Aggressive driving is dangerous and can have adverse effects on a vehicle. When driving, always obey posted speed limits and avoid accelerating and decelerating quickly. Such a style of driving can strain vehicle engines and drive trains while negatively affecting fuel efficiency and wearing down brakes, states the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. 2. Maintain a clean vehicle. Car washes do more than just clean a vehicle. Routine washing and waxing can remove dirt that, if left on a vehicle, can gradually scratch paint and contribute to chips and rust. Over

time, rust can affect vehicle performance and may even compromise the safety of drivers and their passengers if bad enough frame rust affects structural integrity. Routine washing also can remove road salt from vehicles. Salt can build up during winter when roads are routinely treated during and after snowstorms. Road salt can be extremely corrosive and, if left unremoved from a vehicle, can contribute to rust that ultimately can cause extensive damage to a vehicle. 3. Routinely check tire pressure. Many of today’s new vehicles alert drivers when tire pressure is low. Drivers should not ignore such warnings, as low tire pressure can affect engine performance by forcing it to work harder than should be necessary. Engines that are forced to work harder than they need to likely won’t last as long as those that run efficiently. Low tire pressure also negatively affects fuel efficiency, potentially costing drivers substantial amounts of money over time. Drivers of older vehicles without tire pressure alerts should routinely

check tire pressure and keep tires adequately inflated. Vehicles that are slow to accelerate from resting positions may not have enough air in their tires. 4. Adhere to maintenance guidelines. Drivers may have heard that today’s vehicles were built to go longer periods of time between oil changes and tuneups than the vehicles of yesteryear. But drivers should still adhere to manufacturer-recommended maintenance guidelines. Upon buying new vehicles, drivers should read their owners’ manuals to determine recommended maintenance intervals, and stick to those intervals for as long as they have their vehicles. Cognizant of the sizable investments they’re making when buying new vehicles, many drivers want to get as many miles out of their vehicles as possible. Simple maintenance and safe driving habits can go a long way toward keeping vehicles on the road for years to come. “It’s like anything. If you want it to last forever, you have to maintain it,” Hohn said. “It starts with bringing it in.” Metro Creative contributed to this report.

Spring Auto Guide

April 2018

What to do when a tire blows out while driving

thing far worse.

the nearest roadside ditch. When a tire blows, the vehicle will immediately slow down and then begin pulling to the right or left, depending on which side of the car suffered the blowout. The automotive retailer Pep Boys notes that, if a front tire blows out, drivers will feel the force in their steering wheels, while a rear tire blowout will be felt more in the seat and/or body of the vehicle.

Recognizing a blown out tire

Driving through a blowout

summer trips, Schutz urged drivers to check their tire

Many frightening scenar-

pressure — including in the

ios can unfold while driv-

spare — and have all the

ing. Inclement weather can

equipment needed to change

affect visibility and the safe-

a tire on the side of the road.

ty of roads, while distracted

No drivers or vehicles are

driving can put anyone on

immune to blown out tires,

the road in harm’s way.

even with proper mainte-

One

situation

suddenly turn

that

can

nance. But savvy drivers

a Sunday

who know what to do in

drive into something scary

such situations can greatly

is a blown out tire.

reduce their risk of a blown

“You need to get pulled over as safely as possible and get the vehicle under control,” said Scott Schutz, manager of Graham Tire in

out tire turning into some-

The movies might make

Mitchell. Schutz said some tires last

blown out tires seem as

for 80,000 to 100,000 miles,

though

but if the tread depth falls

find themselves in whol-

drivers

suddenly

below 3/32 or 4/32 of an

ly uncontrollable situations.

inch, it’s time for a replace-

But blown out tires won’t

ment. Before going on any

immediately send cars into

Plenty of drivers have safely navigated their way through tire blowouts. When such a situation arises, drivers should avoid slamming on their brakes, instead allowing their vehicles to

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gradually decelerate, making sure to turn on their emergency flashing lights once they are certain they have control of the vehicle. As the vehicle slows down, pull to the side of the road, calling for help if necessary.

When on the side of the road Drivers who do not have a spare tire or cannot change the tire themselves should wait patiently for assistance to arrive after they have called for help. Drivers who can change their tires should place reflective cones or triangles behind their vehicles before they begin working. Such devices warn oncoming drivers of stranded vehicles. If replacing the tire with a donut, remember

that such replacement tires are not designed to travel long distances and will need to be replaced shortly after they are put on the vehicle. To reduce the risk of a blowout, Schutz said drivers need to look beyond the tires and have their alignment checked, especially after winter, when new potholes may have formed in the road. “The big thing is to get your alignment checked in the spring to make sure your tires wear the way they should,” Schutz said. Schutz also recommended routine tire rotation every 5,000 or 6,000 miles to spend more time in the fast lane and less time stopped on the shoulder. Metro Creative contributed to this report

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Spring Auto Guide 3

April 2018

Some telltale signs of engine troubles Engine troubles are many driv-

drivers can do on their own in a

should take heed that this could

engine troubles. While old spark

ers’ worst nightmares. Whether

matter of minutes. A more serious

be indicative of engine trouble.

plugs might be the culprit, stalling

they occur out on the road or they

cause of the vehicle shaking could

Pep Boys notes that noises typi-

prevent drivers from leaving their

be problems with its timing belt

cally indicate abnormalities in the

or jerking may indicate clogged fuel

driveways in the morning, engine

or fuel intake system. Drivers who

combustion flow. Such noises may

troubles can quickly derail plans and

inspect and/or replace their spark

include knocking, hissing and pop-

cost drivers substantial amounts of

plugs but notice their vehicles are

ping. Vehicles making these nois-

money.

still shaking should take their cars

es should be taken to a mechanic

into their mechanics immediately.

immediately.

often noticeable long before cars

► Sudden gas mileage reduction:

► Stalling: Vehicles that jerk

break down. Drivers who learn to

Drivers who notice they’re not get-

or stall also may be experiencing

recognize the signs that suggest

ting as much bang for their gas

engines might be in need of work

bucks as they used to might have

can avoid being stranded on the

engine troubles to blame. According

road or at home.

to Pep Boys, a dropoff in gas mile-

► Vehicle shaking: One telltale

age might be indicative of an issue

sign of engine trouble is when a

in the compression stroke of the

vehicle shakes while itÕs moving.

engine. Such an issue can typically

Drivers of old cars and trucks may

be fixed by having the fuel system

not expect the smoothest of rides,

serviced, which will clean the fuel

but cars that shake, sometimes vio-

system and can help restore the

lently, could be experiencing prob-

vehicleÕs performance and reduce

lems. Sometimes a car might shake

emissions.

if its spark plugs need replacing.

► Noises: If driving has become

That’s an easy, inexpensive fix that

as noisy as a rock concert, drivers

also be traced to issues with the vehicleÕs computer system. Bring such issues to the attention of a

mechanic, and reduce their frequency with regular oil changes. — Source: Metro Creative

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Spring Auto Guide

April 2018

How to fix leaky vehicles without breaking the bank Drivers expect to experience a few bumps in the road as their vehicles age. While certain issues, such as worn shocks or engine troubles, are best left to the professionals, drivers can address many other issues that commonly affect aging vehicles on their own. Fluid leaks are one of the more routine problems that plague older vehicles. While leaks are not necessarily a sign of doom and gloom, they tend to distress vehicle owners and can affect drivability. In addition, automotive fluids that seep out of vehicles can prove harmful to the environment. Leaks may not be a concern for drivers of new vehicles, but studies show that drivers are keeping their vehicles for longer than ever before, suggesting that leaks are becoming a greater issue for more and more motorists. A 2016 study from the Institute for Highway Safety found that the average age of vehicles on the road in the United States is nearly 12 years. By 2021, the IHS expects a 30 percent increase in vehicles that are 16 years or older. So how can drivers address leaky vehicles before they contribute to potentially larger, more costly problems? Fortunately, leaks can be a

relatively simple fix, which should assuage any fears drivers may have as the numbers on their odometers continue to rise.

Identifying leaks Identifying leaks is the first step toward fixing them. According to CRC Industries, a global leader in specialty maintenance and repair chemicals, including K&W brand Stop Leak products, the simplest way to identify which fluid is leaking is to determine its color. CRC notes that red fluid suggests a leak in the power steering system or transmission, while black fluid typically indicates old oil or transmission fluid that has gone bad. If the leaky fluid is green or yellow, then it’s likely engine coolant.

Stop Leak solutions are designed to provide faster, less expensive alternatives for drivers who may be facing costly mechanical repairs.” Stop leak products can be especially valuable to drivers of older vehicles, who may not want to pay for repairs that could very well exceed the value of their cars and trucks. In addition, replacement parts for older vehicles are oftentimes not readily available. In such instances, stop leak products can help drivers keep their cars on the road until replacement parts are found. Stop leak products also can be valuable in the face of emergencies, giving drivers time to get their vehicles to their mechanics. K&W Stop Leak products are avail-

able to address any type of leak drivers may encounter, and drivers need not be car savvy or mechanically inclined to use the products without professional assistance. For example, K&WÕs Super TurboTM Engine Oil Stop Leak and Steer-XTM Power Steering Stop Leak employ a “Pour & Go” formula that can get drivers and their vehicles back on the road in 10 minutes. As more and more drivers look to extend the life of their vehicles, leaks figure to factor more heavily in the lives of motorists. Addressing such leaks can be easy, quick and affordable. Learn more about fixing leaks at www.stopautoleaks.com/metro. — Source: Metro Creative

Fixing leaks Once drivers have identified which fluid is leaking, they can then take steps to fix the leak. Unlike other problems that plague older vehicles, leaks can typically be fixed quickly and affordably. “Stop leak products can really save the day, especially if the leak means that you have to stop driving the vehicle,” says CRC Technical Service Manager Scott Brownstein. “Our K&W

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Spring Auto Guide 5

April 2018

A beginner’s guide to electric cars EVs as being as affordable as gas vehicles by 2021. Another consideration is there may be tax incentives for purchasing an EV. Speak with a tax professional to see if this is applicable. ► Environmental savings: Electric cars produce no emissions from the tailpipe and reduce dependency on oil-based fuels. Furthermore, EVs will not need oil changes or emissions checks that traditional cars require, further saving resources. The resource Plug in Cars says that EVs can also save on fuel costs, ranging at 2 cents per mile traveled, compared to 12 cents for gas-fueled vehicles. ► Fill-ups: EVs can be charged at home using personal charging kits or at charging stations in the neighborhood. Charge times will depend on the size of the vehicle and its battery. According to TheChargingPoint.com, an EV resource, the typical time for an all-electric car using a standard UK home wall socket is between 6 and 8 hours. Some new EVs can be charged in 30 minutes to an hour at rapid charging points. ► Solar + EVs = savings: Consumer Reports advises that, when EVs are combined with home solar systems, “fuel” costs can be completely elimi-

nated. That financial gain can be a big motivator for some consumers. ► Short trips: Individuals who travel 80 miles or less per day may find pure electric vehicles advantageous. Those who have to go further should consider hybrids that offer greater range. However, Tesla, Chevy and Nissan EVs have recently moved beyond the 200mile range before requiring a charge. ► Charging stations: A report from University of Michigan researchers using data from the Department of

Energy suggests that there are now roughly 16,000 public electric vehicle charging stations with about 43,000 connectors in the United States. ChargeHub, with information from the Canadian Automobile Association, states there are a total of 6,473 EV chargers across Canada. Electric and hybrid vehicles could be the wave of the future as more people embrace the convenience these cars offer. — Source: Metro Creative

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Electric or hybrid vehicles can be smart additions to eco-friendly lifestyles. Although such cars were once science fiction, EVs are now increasingly more common and traversing roadways around the world. Thanks to several mainstream brands offering EVs and hybrid models, consumers are more informed than ever before about the benefits of a plugged-in ride. Still, even with the wealth of information available, some people still may be unsure about what owning an EV entails and how to make informed decisions when shopping for such vehicles. Going electric means thinking beyond the gas station. Here’s how to navigate the ins and outs of EVs. ► Type of vehicle: First consider that not all EVs are the same. Hybrid vehicles use a mix of gasoline and electricity and tend to have long fuel ranges. All-electric cars will only use electricity that is gained through charging the vehicle for a certain period of time. ► Affordability: Consumers can expect to pay more for electric and hybrid vehicles than gas-powered vehicles. But as demand increases, costs may drop. According to a report from USA Today, estimates point to

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Spring Auto Guide

April 2018

Your vehicle has a recall: now what? Vehicles are expensive. When motorists drive their vehicles away from a dealership, they hope to travel many miles before they need to come back for maintenance. But manufacturers sometimes issue recalls that can affect drivers of both new and old vehicles. Recalls are safety precautions taken should a portion of a vehicle or the entire car or truck not operate in the manner it was intended. In many instances, auto manufacturers will directly contact customers who are affected by a recall via a letter, email or both. Individuals also can stay current on recalls by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website (www. NHTSA.gov). According to AutoTrader, recalls are becoming more common because of the complexity of modern vehicles. NHTSA flagged nearly 22 million vehicles for safety issues in 2013, and that number is on the rise. Drivers can follow these important steps if they learn of a recall.

► Don’t panic, but don’t ignore recalls. The experts at Kelley Blue Book say recalls often occur due to a problem in the manufacturing process in similar models, and this issue may surface in other vehicles. Recalls do not guarantee vehicles will malfunction or break down. However, consumers are urged to take recalls seriously, adopting a “better safe than sorry” approach when recalls are announced. ► Follow the instructions. A recall notice should come with instructions. Instructions often advise drivers to take their vehicles to the dealership where the cars were purchased. Notices may provide information regarding nearby dealerships for drivers who have moved since buying their cars or trucks. ► No payment should be necessary. The cost of repairing the recalled part should not fall on your shoulders. Such repairs are paid by the manufacturer. The financial resource Bankrate.com notes that, “if you

had the repair made before the recall was issued (up to a full year), the automaker is legally obligated to reimburse you, as long as you had the work done at one of its franchised dealers.” Save all receipts for the work. If work was done by a private mechanic, drivers still may be eligible for reimbursement. ► Be patient. Dealerships are not responsible for making repairs until the date indicated on the recall notice, so motorists may need to wait before having their vehicles repaired. ► Request a loaner vehicle. In some instances, recalls may take a few days to fix. Although not every dealership may make loaner vehicles available, it’s still worth requesting one so you are not inconvenienced. Anyone having difficulty with a recall can contact the NHTSA online, by phone or by mail. Those who suspect a safety problem also can contact the agency and report their concerns. SC183764

Recalls can affect any vehicle. Follow the instructions on the recall notice and have the problem addressed promptly. 001717357r1

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Spring Auto Guide 7

What’s driving car care and purchases this spring changed a tire (21 percent). But being able to change your own tire won’t do much good if the spare doesn’t have any air in it! Twenty-nine percent of Americans never check their spare tire’s air pressure, which could be deflating if it’s flat too. Fortunately, checking the air in the spare is part of a regular maintenance routine for more than half of drivers (57 percent). Remind me Generally, Americans agree that they welcome a nudge to check their tire pressure, and 44 percent say that automatic tire pressure monitors ensure they check it regularly. Experts suggest checking your tire pressure once a month. Even new tires with minimal wear and tear lose air due to factors like temperature change, driving distance or carrying added weight in your vehicle. Now is a good time to check your air pressure, as temperature fluctuations reduce tire pressure by about 1 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit the outside air temperature drops. Purchasing power Should the time come to purchase new tires, money talks. The Hankook Tire Gauge Index found that price influences nearly two-thirds (63 per-

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cent) of tire purchases, and similarly, 38 percent of drivers report that rebates, like Hankook Tire’s Great Catch rebate, also impact their purchase decision. When it comes to the brand, however, drivers maintain an open mind. While nearly half of drivers (43 percent) say they have a brand in mind when they enter the dealership, they are flexible on what they ultimately buy — only 16 percent of Americans go into the dealer set on a particular brand. Price also impacts vehicle purchases (41 percent). When shopping for a

new car, drivers focus on price more than twice that of safety (18 percent) or performance (15 percent). And women are more price-conscious than men, as 45 percent of women consider the price when buying a new car, as opposed to only 37 percent of men. Whether you are driven by price or performance, regular maintenance and vehicle knowledge is key to avoiding unexpected bumps in the road. — Source: Brandpoint

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As the weather starts to warm up, Americans will hit the road more often for destinations ranging from family outings to spring vacation destinations. Because cars are such an important part of our daily lives, Hankook Tire examined what drives Americans to keep up with car maintenance, as well as what matters when maintenance can do no more and it’s time to visit the dealership. Leave it to me Two-thirds (69 percent) of drivers perform their own car maintenance, according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge survey. Among those who do so, the main motivator is to save money (54 percent). Others like doing it to save time (28 percent), because they prefer knowing exactly what’s going into their vehicles (26 percent), or it’s a fun task for some who simply enjoy it (22 percent). In fact, about one-third (35 percent) of drivers started taking responsibility for car maintenance as soon as they earned their licenses. The air in the spare When asked the most elaborate car maintenance they’ve performed without help from a mechanic, most Americans said that they have either changed the oil (21 percent) or

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Spring Auto Guide

April 2018

Personalize your ride with a new set of wheels The idea of a new car or truck is exciting. What’s even more exciting is making that new vehicle your own. There are countless ways to personalize a vehicle, but one of the easiest ways to spruce up a vehicle is by adding a new set of wheels. In fact, wheels are typically the first thing vehicle owners upgrade on a car or truck after purchasing it from the dealership. According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in its 2017 Market Research Report, wheels are among the most purchased items by consumers in the $42 billion aftermarket industry. Because there are many wheel options, SEMA recommends researching the various wheel types available for your specific vehicle and learning about the different wheel finish options, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are basics about wheel finishes to keep in mind: Painted: Opting for painted wheels will give you an endless amount of options when it comes to colors and

effects, allowing you to personalize your vehicle exactly how you desire. Painted wheels are typically primed before wet paint is applied, and they are finalized with a clear topcoat to protect the paint. To minimize damage or discoloration due to heat or dust brought about by daily use, painted wheels should be cleaned with a non-acidic and non-abrasive soap that should not be allowed to dry onto the wheel. Polished: Polished wheels are great if you want a wheel with a shiny look or mirror-like finish that is not heavy, which could aid in fuel economy. The wheel is polished to a high luster by buffing it using a machine or by hand before being protected with a high-gloss clear coat. Polished wheels can be cleaned with mild soap and dried with a microfiber towel, then coated and hand-polished with a non-abrasive wax to help it maintain its luster. Chrome: If you want the shiniest look possible, opt for a chrome wheel. This popular and classic type of wheel finish is achieved by add-

ing layers of metals, such as copper, nickel and chromium, to create a very reflective finish. You can easily clean chrome wheels with soap and water, then dry them with a soft cloth. To prevent dirt and dust from sticking to the wheels, add a layer of wax after cleaning them. Powder-coated: For an extremely durable wheel finish that is resistant to scratches and fading and comes in many color options, go with a powder-coated wheel. To achieve this finish, a wheel is grounded and sprayed with a powder-coat (usually a polyester or epoxy), then exposed to heat (usually in a heating oven), essentially baking on the smooth finish. Like their painted counterparts, powder-coated wheels can be cleaned with a mild soap that should not be allowed to dry on the wheel finish. You can further protect the finish by applying a wheel sealant or coating solution. These are but a few of the many types of finishes available in the wheel segment of the automotive aftermarket industry that can help

give your vehicle an updated look. Every type of wheel finish provides variations in shine, color and required maintenance, so take the time to research what’s available. Regardless of the wheel you decide to go with, it will surely help get you on the road to creating a vehicle that meets your unique, individual needs. Manufacturers introduce new wheels and many other products annually at the SEMA Show, the leading trade-only show for businesses in the automotive industry. Consumers can connect with some of these businesses at the official SEMA Show after-party, also known as SEMA Ignited, where one-of-a-kind custom vehicle builds featuring the newest aftermarket products, including wheels, parade out of the convention center before making their way to the ultimate car show open to the public. For more information, visit www.semaignited.com.

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