Auto Connections Spring 2019 by Mitchell Republic

spring

APRIL 2019

Auto Connection

A special supplement to The Daily Republic and ADvisor

Spring Auto Connection

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Young car enthusiasts spending billions a year customizing vehicles By Sam Fosness The Daily Republic

For many car owners, their vehicle is an extension of their personality — and as such they customize it to reflect their individuality and uniqueness. That’s particularly true for young car enthusiasts ages 16 to 24, who spend $7.2 billion each year customizing their vehicles, according to a recent study by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Scott Fokken, general manager of Make it Mine Design in Mitchell, can attest to this trend, as he’s been seeing a steady flow of vehicle owners customize their automobiles in the six years he’s been overseeing a local auto customizing business. “We see a lot of Mitchell Technical Institute students come in and drop serious money on customizing their vehicles,” Fukken said. “Whether it be window tinting to custom graphics, we see a lot of business from that

group of people.” The growing automobile customization business has become a profitable trend for the store he oversees. According to Fukken, lift kits and auto rail guards continue to be a popular demand in Mitchell, which he said can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 for installing the accessories. Fukken said the younger generation of truck owners in the surrounding area make up the majority of clientele that customize their vehicles at Make it Mine Design. “More than 7.9 million young people customize, modify or upgrade their vehicles each year,” says SEMA Director-Market Research Gavin Knapp. “Their vehicles not only help them get from A to B, they are also an integral part of their social lives.” The demand has also led to Iverson Chrysler — the local auto dealership in Mitchell who owns Make it Mine Design — opening another storefront in Huron.

“There is a strong market for custom vehicle accessories and exterior, and we have a radius that extends pretty far,” Fukken said. Car modifying is an exciting creative outlet that lets young people express who they are. Larger projects become group projects, and mods give them something to talk about with friends. Here are some modifications young customizers perform on their cars: Wheels and tires: Almost half upgrade these elements. Original tires are upgraded to all-season models, performance slicks, off-roading tires or low-profile versions. Swapping out standard wheels for lighter options made of aluminum, alloy or carbon fiber enhances both the look and performance of any given car. Exterior body mods: Exterior looks matter to 42 percent of young customizers. They spend money adding tint to their windows, completely wrapping their car body or installing

a body kit. Customizers also often upgrade their bumpers, mirrors, fenders and grilles to achieve unique looks. Interior mods: From simple changes like upgraded floor mats to more intricate modifications like installing a new dash kit or replacing upholstery, 16- to 24-year-old enthusiasts feel enhancing the interiors of their cars is just as important as modifying the exteriors. Changing the seats alone can result in a more comfortable ride. Lighting: Lighting modifications are some of the easier and more common upgrades performed by young car aficionados. Most exterior lighting upgrades consist of replacing the taillight and headlight covers, switching lightbulbs and/or adding lighting kits. Inside vehicles, customizers easily personalize looks by changing cabin and dash lighting to different hues.

CUSTOMIZING: Page 3

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Spring Auto Connection 3

April 2019

How to drive more efficiently

CUSTOMIZING From Page 2

Mobile electronics: Upgrading a car’s sound system remains a priority for young enthusiasts, including new stereos, speakers, amplifiers or anything else that enhances sound to their liking. Other electronic upgrades may include new GPS systems, dashboard cameras, alarm systems and/or Smartphone connections. Performance enhancement: Young customizers enhance the performance of their cars by switching to aftermarket high-performance oil, fuel additives and engine treatments. By replacing original equipment such as brake pads and rotors with lighter counterparts, they can also lower vehicle weight. Modifications like an updated suspension system, exhaust kit, drivetrain and/or intake system can help a vehicle perform at a different level. Those are just a few of the many types of vehicle modifications young enthusiasts routinely perform on their vehicles, made possible by the many options available to them in the $43 billion automotive aftermarket industry. Manufacturers introduce their lat-

Many people aspire to drive more efficiently in an attempt to conserve fuel, save money and reduce the carbon footprints of their vehicles. But driving efficiently can also make driving safer for motorists, their passengers and everyone else, including pedestrians, sharing the roads. Drivers who want to drive more efficiently can implement a variety of strategies to do just that. ► Obey the speed limits. Speed limits are determined with safety in mind, and drivers should always adhere to posted speed limits to protect themselves, their passengers and others on the road. The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that, est products and services every year one-of-a-kind custom vehicle builds in 2015, 27 percent of motor vehicle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the with the newest aftermarket products crash deaths were speeding-related. leading trade-only show for automo- (including wheels) parade out of the But according to the U.S. Environtive industry businesses. Consumers convention center to the ultimate car mental Protection Agency, obeying can connect with those businesses show. For more information, visit the speed limit is also cost-effective. at the official SEMA Show after-par- www.semaignited.com. DRIVE: Page 4 ty known as SEMA Ignited, where — Brandpoint media contributed to this report.

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Spring Auto Connection

April 2019

What car colors may say about drivers By Sam Fosness The Daily Republic Cars and trucks may be modes of transportation, but many people see their vehicles as extensions of their personalities. The color of a vehicle can say a lot about its driver, and Terry Moody, owner of a local paint and body shop in Mitchell, has seen the importance a paint job has for vehicle owners in the area. “It’s expensive to get a paint job, but that doesn’t stop people from getting one,” said Moody, who has enjoyed 28 years of business at Moody’s Auto Body Design. “It makes a big difference to a car, and some drivers feel it’s the most important part of their car.” In fact, automotive experts say color affects drivers’ decisions when they’re buying new vehicles. In 2015, a survey from PPG Automotive Coatings found the color palette of black, silver, gray, and white makes up 75 percent of new cars on the road. While Moody has seen the cost for a paint job increase over the years, he said the quality of automobile paint has greatly improved. “It’s a lot higher priced, but it’s so much better than it was 30 to 40 years ago,” Moody said. Although Moody has been progressively paying more over the years for the auto body paint he orders through his representative, he feels the quality outweighs the cost. “The clear coat paint holds its finish way longer than it used to, so people are getting what they’re

paying for,” Moody said. According to Moody, bright colored paint jobs have steadily increased over the years, which he’s noticed to be more popular for younger vehicle owners. White has been the most popular car color for years, perhaps because neutral tones tend to look new for years, improving resale value as a result. The Pantone Color Institute periodically highlights popular trends in colors for home decorating, graphic design, fashion, and much more. Their experts know a thing about what color can say about a person. Here’s a look at how drivers may perceive themselves (and how others view them) based on their color choices in vehicles, courtesy of Pantone, NerdWallet, Thrillist, and Today.com. ► White: This color (perhaps thanks to the popularity of Apple products) can often project a persona of a diligent, hardworking person. White is a dependable color that also is sleek and modern. Many people who prefer white also like the purity of the color and its perceived cleanliness. ► Black: Black vehicles have stood the test of time as status symbols. Those who purchase black cars may view them as classic and powerful. Black also conveys elegance. That’s why limousines and hired cars are often black. ► Silver: Silver cars may have futuristic connotations because of their metallic hues. Silver vehicles also can be elegant and prestigious. A certain element of modernity is associated with silver cars

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► Tighten the gas cap. When gas caps are loose, fuel evaporates. The Car Care Council notes that loose, missing or damaged gas caps contribute to the evaporation of roughly 147 million gallons of gas per year. When filling up at the gas station, turn the cap until your hear it click. Driving efficiently can make roadways safer, benefit the environment and save drivers considerable amounts of money. — Source: MetroCreative

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drives and avoiding excessive revving. ► Use cruise control wisely. Drivers concerned about fuel economy may be accustomed to turning on their vehicles’ cruise control when driving long distances on the highway. While that is an effective and fuel-efficient way to maintain steady speeds, turn cruise control off when traversing roads with steep hills. On such roads, fuel efficiency can be lost because the vehicle engine is working harder to maintain steady speeds.

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and trucks. ► Gray: People who choose gray vehicles may be less concerned about status and more interested in a vehicle that blends in with the crowd. This no-nonsense hue could be ideal for cautious, even-keeled drivers who like to go with the flow. ► Blue: Light blue to mid-blue cars convey a sense of calm and coolness. Blue is a dependable color and may indicate the person behind the wheel is friendly. Dark blue can be a confidence-booster and also signal authority, as many police cruisers and law enforcement uniforms feature deep blue. ► Red: People who own red cars probably like flash and attention. They’re likely magnetic personalities who enjoy standing out in a crowd. ► Brown/beige: These earth-toned shades may indicate a person who is not pretentious, but easygoing and fiscally responsible. Reliability and comfort is prized above flashiness for those who go brown and beige. ► Green: Green cars indicate owners who have a very strong sense of self and care little about what others think of them. They may be the people who march to the beat of their own drums. But the popularity of green cars peaked in the 1990s, so fewer green cars may be on the road today than in the past. Vehicle colors may say a lot about the people behind the wheel.

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Spring Auto Connection 5

What to do when your vehicle breaks down Knowing what to do when a car breaks down can make such unfortunate situations much less stressful for drivers. Smartphones and wifi networks may make it less stressful to cope with broken down vehicles. However, wifi networks are not always accessible in remote locations, so drivers would be wise to revisit these tips for handling broken down vehicles, courtesy of Esurance, in advance of their next road trip. ► Turn on hazard lights. Hazard lights inform other drivers that something is wrong with your vehicle, and the sight of hazard lights typically compels fellow motorists to give drivers a wide berth and facilitate their moving off of the roadway. ► Attempt to get off the highway. After turning on their hazard lights, drivers who know or suspect something is wrong with their vehicles should try to get off the highway. Move into the right-hand lane as soon as possible, ultimately trying to get onto the shoulder. Avoid the lefthand shoulder if possible, as the left lane is a passing lane and motorists likely won’t be expecting vehicles in this area of the highway.

der. If necessary, crawl across the front seat and exit using the passenger-side door. All passengers should exit the vehicle on the passenger-side if the car has been pulled onto the right shoulder. ► Call for help. Only after they have safely gotten their vehicles off the highway should drivers call for help. Passengers may want to avoid calling until the car is off the road as well, as it can make for faster relief if callers wait until they know their exact location to call for help. ► Set up flares or triangles behind the vehicle. If it’s safe to do so, set up flares or triangles. If the flares or triangles are buried in the trunk, drivers can ask a passenger to serve as lookout and warn them if they need to get away from the vehicle. ► Pop the hood. An opened hood ► Be especially careful before exit- is another indicator that a vehicle is ► Turn the steering wheel away from the road. Broken down vehicles ing the vehicle. Exiting a broken down broken down and can be especially are unpredictable, and drivers may vehicle can be very dangerous, espe- valuable to drivers who do not have not have the luxury of pulling over cially when drivers are forced to pull flares or triangles. onto flat road surfaces. Turning the over on busy highways. Drivers who ► Wait for help. Do not attempt to steering wheel away from the road have pulled over into the right shoul- fix the vehicle on the side of the highprevents it from rolling into traffic if der should wait to exit the car until way. Doing so leaves drivers vulneradrivers are forced to pull over on an there is ample time for them to get ble to oncoming motorists. out and safely make it to the shoulincline. — Source: Metro Creative

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Spring Auto Connection

April 2019

Prevent bugs, sap and other substances from ruining a vehicle

Keeping vehicles looking pristine requires care and diligent cleaning. So many day-to-day activities and environmental materials have the potential to damage the finish on cars and trucks. While winter weather and chemicals used to keep roadways passable are often blamed for affecting the appearance of cars and trucks, winter is not the only time of year when substances can cause damage to vehicles. Spring and summer are prime seasons for sap, birds and insects. These times of year tend to see an uptick in road work as well, and such projects can contribute to damage caused by loose asphalt, gravel and tar. Addressing problems resulting from tree sap, insect and bird droppings and tar is necessary to keep cars looking pristine.

Tree sap

According to Cars.com, an automo-

discolor your the paint. Insects or droppings that are fresh may come off relatively easily with a good washing or hosing off of the car. Retailers also sell specialty insect sponges to remove bugs and other debris.

tive information resource and vehicle sales website, although tree sap won’t cause immediate damage to vehicle paint, it should not be ignored. Over time, sap can become more difficult to remove, etch through the clear coat on the vehicle and cause discoloration. When the temperature is hot, damage from sap can accelerate. On windows and windshields, drivers may be able to gently remove dried sap with a razor blade. However, use cleaning products on more delicate paint. Automotive stores sell speciality sap and tar cleaners. Otherwise, you can try rubbing alcohol. It may take a few attempts to remove sap entirely.

Tar

Soap and water will do little to remove tar and other petroleum-based products from vehicles. Commercial tar removal products use a strong and droppings can be sticky, so you solvent or detergent to loosen the tar. will need to work with something This may include kerosene, mineral that will remove the splatter without spirits or another item mixed with removing the paint in the process. A lubricants. Go slowly and use caution product like WD-40 may help. This so that you remove the tar and not oily product is normally used on rust the paint. and hinges. When applied with a cloth Drivers who are hesitant to clean Insects and bird droppings Splattered bugs and avian sur- and allowed to penetrate the stain, it their vehicles of common residue can prises dropped from above can be can loosen difficult-to-remove sticky have their cars or trucks professiona messy, unsightly nuisance. Their substances. Always test any product ally detailed, leaving the work in the acidic composition also may cause you use in an inconspicuous spot first hands of experts. — Source: Metro Creative them to damage paint over time. Bugs to make sure it doesn’t damage or

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Spring Auto Connection 7

April 2019

Newborn to 13+: Car safety tips for kids of all ages For many parents, you buckle up your kids and off you go to daycare, school or the park. You trust their car seat or booster seat will keep your child safe should something happen, but are you sure the seat you installed months or years ago is truly secure? “I am deeply concerned that nearly half of all car seats are not used correctly,” says Heidi King, deputy administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “You don’t have to be a parent to play a part in protecting children. I urge everyone to follow these simple tips to ensure kids stay safe in the car at every age.” ► The right car seat is the best protection in a crash Every 33 seconds, a child under 13 years old is involved in a car crash, according to NHTSA data. Even more startling: Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1-13. One of the most common mistakes parents and caregivers make is moving children to the next car seat too soon. No matter their age, you need to make sure that the car seat you use is the right one for your child’s age, as well as their size (based on their weight and height). ► Newborn to 3 years (infant and rear-facing car seat) The youngest passengers should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height of their seat. This positioning better absorbs the force of an impact, making it a

better option for small passengers whose necks and spines are still developing. In fact, car seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants (under one year old) in passenger cars. Keep in mind, even if your child’s feet touch the back of the vehicle seat, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready for a forward-facing seat. Parents shouldn’t move their toddlers into a forward-facing car seat until they’ve hit the maximum height or weight limit of their current car seat. ► 4-7 years old (forward-facing car seat) At this age your child will likely use a forward-facing car seat with a harness. One critical step for installing this car seat correctly is making

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sure to secure it with its tether, not just a seat belt. The tether is an adjustable strap with a hook that can be found at the top of most forward-facing car seats. When you secure the tether to the tether anchor in your vehicle, it keeps the car seat from moving forward in a crash, helping protect your child from head and neck injuries. Additionally, always make sure the chest clip is secured across the chest rather than on the belly. These clips have a tendency to move down, so it’s up to caregivers to align it properly. Make it a habit to always slide the clip up to the appropriate place after buckling your child in to their seat. ► 8-12 years old (booster seat) After a child exceeds the age and size limits of their forward-facing seat, they can transition to a booster seat. A booster seat lifts a child up and helps their body properly align with the vehicle’s existing seat belt. Kids should stay in a booster seat until they are big enough to sit properly with the lap and shoulder belt securely buckled. That means the lap belt is snug across their upper thighs, not their stomach, and the shoulder belt is snug across their shoulder and chest, not their neck or face. ► “Tweens” and preteens (seat belt) Once your child is big enough to ride safely without needing a car seat or booster seat, keep in mind the back seat is still the safest place. All kids 13 and under should ride in the back. — Source: Brandpoint

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April 2019

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