Auto Guide Spring 2020 by Mitchell Republic

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Spring Auto Guide

April 2020

Auto repair shops weathering through COVID-19, expect to see increase repair work By Sam Fosness The Daily Republic As the economy has drastically slowed down with the ongoing COVID-19 virus, causing a severe reduction in travel, local auto repair shops have felt the impact. While business has slowed down for some local auto repair shops amid the virus outbreak, Brandon Braun, assistant manager of Tire Muffler Alignment (TMA) in Mitchell, is anticipating an uptick in repair work when the economy opens back up. With the roughly 50% reduction in business, comparatively to the amount of business that TMA experiences at this time in previous years, Braun said the increase in travel that he expects to see when the economy begins reopening will help TMA rebound. “With the uncertainty right now, and how little people are traveling at the moment, things have slowed down quite a bit here over the past month,” Braun said. “People are

going to be itching to travel after being stuck at home for that long, which has a direct impact for us and auto mechanic shops.” The timeline for when President Donald Trump plans to lift the social distancing guidelines, which has been in effect since March 16, is slated to conclude April 30. However, that timeline could change with the way the virus continues to evolve. When the federal government’s social distancing guidelines are lifted and people head back to work, Braun said the easing of travel restrictions will be a sigh of relief for TMA. For Tony Wolf, owner of Wolf’s Auto & Truck Repair in Parkston, economic slowdowns and recessions typically spark an increase in vehicle repairs at his shop. When uncertainty surrounds the economy, Wolf said drivers tend to shy away from buying brand new vehicles. Instead, vehicle owners often take a more cost friendly

approach and opt to tune up and repair the automobiles and trucks they already own. “A lot of people choose to fix their vehicles during times like these, because many are nervous to buy something when nobody knows what the economy is going to do,” Wolf said. Fortunately, Wolf’s Auto & Truck Repair hasn’t suffered from a loss in business since the virus since it swept into South Dakota and the surrounding Mitchell area. Specifically, the semi-truck repair work that Wolf and his mechanics offer in Parkston has seen a slight increase in business, holding steady amid the tough economic times the nation is enduring amid the virus. Although leisure travel and tourism has come to a screeching halt, semi-truckers who haul goods and supplies have been deemed as essential employees. As truckers continue traveling across the roads and inter-

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The entrance of Tire Muffler Alignment (TMA) located at 806 N. Main St. in Mitchell.

states to transport goods around the area, Wolf’s repair shop has plenty of work on its hands. “Our truck business has been doing really good lately, because the freights always have to be hauled,” Wolf said. “Whether it’s hauling pigs or cows, people have to eat. A lot of miles are put on trucks, and that hasn’t changed with all this going on.”

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Spring Auto Guide 3

Commons symptoms of engine control module problems By Metro Creative The notion of vehicle maintenance often conjures images of greasedstained hands and car hoods propped up. While professional and amateur mechanics are still no strangers to getting their hands dirty, vehicle maintenance in the 21st century also involves diagnosing issues that might arise with a car’s engine control module. What is an engine control module? An engine control module, or ECM, serves as the primary computer system for many critical components in modern vehicles. ECMs essentially serve as the brains behind the engines, controlling everything from fuel mixtures to emissions controls. Sensors within the engine send signals to the ECM, and the ECM then uses that information to help the car run smoothly. Issues that arise with the ECM can make driving difficult and, in some cases, impossible.

What are some potential signs of ECM issues? The automotive service provider Aamco notes that a faulty or failing ECM will exhibit various symptoms. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms are not always indicative of issues with the ECM, so when they arise drivers may want to schedule appointments with their mechanics so the true culprit can be identified and the problem can be fixed. ► Check engine light comes on: Many drivers have experienced the dreaded check engine light, which indicates some type of issue with the engine. That issue can be a failing engine component, or it may indicate a failing or bad ECM. A mechanic can determine why the light has come on. ► Engine performance issues: Even though the ECM is a separate entity from the engine itself, a bad or failing ECM can affect engine per-

formance. That’s because such ECMs throw off the timing and fuel settings of the engine, leading to a sudden and noticeable reduction in engine performance. Engine power may be affected, and the vehicle may experience a drop in fuel efficiency and issues with acceleration. ► Vehicle will not start: A failed ECM means the vehicle won’t start, as there’s nothing controlling the engine to tell it do so. Failing ECMs may lead to struggles starting the vehicle, and whenever drivers experience these issues, they should consult

their mechanics immediately so the issue does not escalate to the point where the engine won’t start at all. ► Erratic engine behavior: A malfunctioning ECM can lead to stalling or misfiring. These issues are often sporadic, which may give drivers the impression that nothing is seriously wrong. However, erratic engine behavior is a strong indicator of problems with the ECM, and these issues should be addressed immediately. Identifying ECM issues and promptly addressing them can help drivers keep their vehicles on the road.

Tips for staying safe with keyless systems By Metro Creative Auto manufacturers have long embraced technology that can streamline the automotive experience for drivers. For example, several years ago keyless entry and ignition systems were introduced, initially on high-end vehicles before they became standard on many other models. Keyless entry systems require a fob, which sends a signal to the receiver inside the vehicle. The fob transmits a low-frequency code to the car’s internal computer system, which engages the locks and will allow the driver to push a button on the dashboard or console to start the vehicles. The fob can be stashed away in a pocket or purse and still send the signal, which makes it convenient for drivers. Drivers with arthritis or hand injuries also may find keyless systems an asset. Because fobs work on wireless systems, hackers potentially can intercept the fob-to-car signal. That enables a thief to not only open the vehicle’s doors, but also to potentially drive away as well. Even though the fob/ car security pairing is unique and can create billions of codes, researchers at Radboud University in the Netherlands and the University of Birmingham found that, by intercepting the

wireless signal just twice, they could narrow down the possible combinations from billions to just 200,000. After that, a computer can figure out the code in just half an hour and unlock the car. Potentially, a thief can gather car codes as drivers enter their vehicles during the day, then return later to steal a number of cars. Thieves who purchase signal amplifiers also pose a threat. These amplifiers magnify the reach of the fob signal so that a vehicle owner can be in his or her house with the fob, but the thief can walk up to the car and open it — even if the fob is far enough away that it should not engage. One way to circumvent this is to buy a signal-blocking pouch that can hold the key fob. Also, an old-school steering wheel or gear shift lock is an effective way to provide another layer of protection. Drivers also should be aware of their surroundings as they approach their vehicles. Thieves may count on keyless entry systems to be able to hop into a vehicle once the owner gets within range and drive away. Vehicle technology thrives to make driving as convenient as possible, but some features also may make things more convenient for prospective thieves.

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3 unique ways to save money on the day you buy a car By Metro Creative Short of buying a home, many consumers will never spend more money than they do when purchasing a new vehicle. According to the automotive resource Kelley Blue Book, new-vehicle prices increased by 2 percent between April 2018 and April 2019, rising to slightly less than $37,000 in that period. With so much money at stake, car buyers’ decisions in regard to which car to buy and how to finance the purchase are significant. Some financial variables, including sales tax, may be set in stone. However, buyers can make the process of buying new cars more affordable. 1. Pay the taxes upfront. When buying a new car, buyers will receive a rundown of all of the costs from the dealership that’s selling them the vehicle. Sales taxes will be included in that rundown. Buyers who are financing their vehicles can save money over the long haul by including the sales taxes in their initial down payment. Doing so means buyers will only pay interest on the vehicle and not the vehicle as well as the taxes going forward. 2. Use a cash back credit card when making your down payment and paying taxes on the vehicle. Some lenders may not allow down payments to be made in anything but cash, while others accept credit card payments. Car buyers who have cash

April 2020

back credit cards can use those cards when making down payments and/ or paying the taxes on the vehicle to reduce the initial costs of buying the car. For example, if a credit card rewards card holders with 2 percent cash back on every charged purchase, buyers can then lower the cost of that down payment by 2 percent by simply using their cards when making the payment. Just be sure to pay the balance in full when the bill is due, as credit card interest charges can negate any savings you might earn. 3. Carefully read the service contract. Many dealerships now offer service contracts that can be rolled into monthly payments. These contracts may cover certain maintenance costs as defined in the agreement. Each auto service contract is different, and some may just be offering duplicate coverage already provided by the manufacturers’ warranty. Buyers always have the option to decline the service contract and should never agree to it without first reading the entire contract. Requesting to do so can be difficult, as service contracts are often proposed as buyers finalize their financing agreements, and many packages must be accepted on-site before the loan is finalized. But buyers have the right to take their time and read the contracts. New cars are expensive, but buyers can employ various strategies to save money before signing on the dotted line.

By Metro Creative Driving provides an almost unrivaled level of independence. The ability to travel beyond a neighborhood or even one’s hometown without a chaperone is probably what excites new drivers so much and makes them eager to get their licenses and cars. Senior drivers also may define their independence by their ability to drive. Few things diminish senior dignity and independence faster than losing the ability to drive. Despite popular misconceptions, seniors are some of the safest drivers around. The experts at Hartford Auto Insurance indicate that the number of accidents involving older drivers actually decreases as age increases. It’s the risk factors like medical conditions, medication usage and reduced

physical function that increase the risk for accidents and injuries involving older drivers. Thanks to technology and some other well-designed devices, seniors may be able to continue driving longer than the aging drivers of years past. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a nonprofit research and education association, says roughly 90 percent of seniors don’t take advantage of simple, often inexpensive features that can greatly improve safety and extend their time behind the wheel. Here are some considerations. ► Cushions and seat pads: Cushions do more than just alleviate hip and back pain while sitting. Cushions and pads can raise drivers up and improve

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Spring Auto Guide 5

April 2020

What noisy brakes may be telling you By Metro Creative The only noises many drivers ever want to hear coming from their vehicles are the sounds of their favorite songs blasting from their car stereos. But cars sometimes make noises that aren’t nearly as inviting as music. Noises that seem to pop up when applying the brakes can be especially scary for motorists. No one wants to drive a vehicle with faltering or suspect brakes, so learning to distinguish between the two most common brake noises can be a wise move for drivers. Grinding brakes The automotive retailer Pep Boys’ notes that grinding noises indicate a serious problem with the braking system. According to CarsDirect.com, there are two major causes behind the grinding noise made by brakes. If the grinding sound is audible when pressing on the brake pedal, this likely because the rotor disc is coming into contact with part of the caliper. This typically occurs because the brake pads or rotors are extremely worn down, causing the steel backing of the worn out pad to grind against

the rotor. In such instances, Pep Boys’ recommends replacing the brake pads immediately. If the grinding noise is audible while the vehicle is in motion, debris might be stuck inside the brakes. Drivers might be able to dislodge this debris by repeatedly moving their cars forward and backward in a safe place, such as a driveway. If that does not work, have the brakes serviced by a qualified mechanic. Squealing Many drivers are familiar with the high-pitched squealing sound that comes from their vehicles or those of fellow motorists. That squeal, while certainly not music to the ears, might be a good thing. That’s because Pep Boys’ notes that some brake pads are equipped with small steel clips that serve as wear indicators. When brake pads have worn down, these devices produce a squealing sound to let drivers know it’s time to get new brake pads. But squealing can be indicative of other things as well. Squealing noises are sometimes heard immediately

after brake pads or rotors have been replaced. In such instances, the noise typically subsides within a day or two once the pads have been broken in. Glazed pads also can create a squealing sound. When calipers stick, the brakes stay partially applied, pro-

ducing excessive friction or heat. The heat causes the brake pads to glaze. No one wants to hear noises coming from their brakes. However, such noises are often a car’s way of telling drivers that brakes need to be serviced.

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their line of sight over the dashboard. Swivel pads can make it easier to enter and exit the car as well. ► Adaptive cruise control: This feature can adjust speed automatically to maintain a consistent space between vehicles. ► Adaptive headlights: These headlights, also known as steerable headlights, can improve visibility by changing the direction of the light beam with the movement of the steering wheel. ► Pedal extenders: Extenders help short drivers reach the pedals while maintaining a safe distance from the steering wheel and potential airbag deployment. ► Hand controls: Whether one has sensory changes in the feet from surgery or a medical condition, adaptive hand controls can move the “pedals” up to the steering column. ► Blind spot warning and other sensors: Today’s cars can be equipped with any number of sensors that can detect oncoming traffic, cars to the left or right of the vehicle, items or

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OUR AUTO REPAIR CENTERS ARE HERE TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT cars behind the vehicle when reversing, and even if the vehicle has drifted out of the lane. These are all great safety features for any driver, but may be especially helpful to seniors. ► Parking assist: Parking assist technology can steer the vehicle into a space with little input from the driver. ► Voice control: Avoiding distractions and keeping hands on the wheel is enhanced by voice controls, which can be set up to do things like turn on the radio or adjust climate control. ► Convex mirrors: Special mirrors increase the field of vision. Seniors have many tools available to make driving safer and more comfortable, which can prolong their years behind the wheel.

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Spring Auto Guide

April 2020

How to donate your car By Metro Creative There are many ways for well-intentioned men and women to donate to charity. Cash donations can be extremely valuable, as they allow charities to allocate funds immediately and in ways that serve their most glaring needs. Noncash donations can be valuable as well, though certain noncash donations may not go as far as donors think they might. According to CharityWatch, an organization that monitors charitable organizations, donating used cars is among the least cost-effective ways to donate to charity. That’s because many organizations that accept automobiles as donations are not actually charities, but for-profit intermediaries, even though they rarely represent themselves as such. Such organizations accept donated automobiles, but they may just give a small percentage of the proceeds from those vehicles to charities. In fact, a 2017 report from MSNBC noted that attorneys general in multiple states inves-

tigated auto donation charities for false advertising. When donating automobiles, men and women may be better off selling the cars themselves and then donating the proceeds from the sale to their favorite charity. Adults who do not have time to sell vehicles on their own can still donate their vehicles to charity, but it’s wise to employ a few savvy donation strategies when doing so. ► Remove the middle man. The charity watchdog organization Charity Navigator advises prospective

donors to avoid for-profit intermediary organizations altogether when donating vehicles. By donating the vehicle directly to a charity that will handle the transaction themselves, donors can ensure 100 percent of the profits go to the charity. Charity Navigator even notes that many charities already have auto donation programs, even if they do not advertise such services. ► Protect yourself when donating. Donors may be vulnerable to certain penalties if they don’t formally

sign their vehicles over to the nonprofit organization when donating them. Charity Navigator notes that some charities may ask donors to avoid officially signing over the vehicle so they don’t have to re-title it. However, doing so means donors are responsible for any parking tickets issued to the vehicle and may even be liable if the car is used in the commission of a crime. ► Complete necessary paperwork. When donating the vehicle, make sure you receive and keep all documentation provided by the charity. The documentation you need and the forms you will have to fill out for your tax returns will depend on the value of the car, so maintain contact with the charity even after donating the vehicle. The organization should be able to help you and advise on which forms will be necessary to claim your deduction. Additional information about donating cars to charity can be found at www.charitynavigator.org.

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Spring Auto Guide 7

April 2020

How to inspect and maintain vehicle belts

By Metro Creative Responsible vehicle ownership involves taking inventory of the automobile and ensuring it is working at peak capacity. Hundreds of parts work together to keep vehicles on the road, but quite often drivers do not look under the hood until something is amiss. Routine maintenance is widely acknowledged as a critical component of responsible vehicle ownership, but many motorists may not know how to care for their cars. Belts are one example of components that are integral to efficient, well-running vehicles. The automotive resource iDriveSafely. com indicates that belts are some of the most crucial moving parts in the engine. Belts transmit power between shafts, and all belts, from serpentine belts to V-belts to timing belts, all serve important functions. ► Serpentine belt: Firestone¨ Complete Auto Care says a serpentine belt is a long, snaking, winding belt that keeps parts such as the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning running smoothly. Serpentine belts transport power to automotive accessories. A failing serpentine belt can cause enormous and expensive headaches, including overheating and loss of steering power. ► V-belts: Also known as drive belts, these are usually found in older vehicles. Unlike serpentine belts, which

Charge up your car battery knowledge run through various parts, V-belts run through one or two accessories. Older cars with many bells and whistles will have multiple V-belts, and should one break, it may not cause as much of an issue as if a serpentine belt were to falter. ► Timing belt: Advance Auto Parts says that most cars have interference engines in which the clearance between moving parts is so small that they can end up bumping into each other if they’re not running on the same timing as one another. That is where the timing belt comes into play. It connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, helping them stay in sync. Failing to pay attention to a timing belt can result in an expensive engine repair. Belts have finite service lives, and heat and wear and tear are usually their nemeses. It is important to look for fraying or cracking of belts. Even belts that look new may have worn out grooves that lose their grips on matching pulley grooves. Mechanics often use special gauges to check belts. Belts also may need to be replaced due to oil or grease contamination that can damage the rubber or synthetic rubber. It is important to check the owner’s manual and seek advice from a qualified mechanic about when belts should be serviced.

By Metro Creative Vehicles consist of many essential components to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Car and truck owners should have an understanding of how their vehicles function so they can diagnose and address problems as they arise. Car batteries are an important component of any vehicle. Even though engines are the powerhouse of any car or truck, without a battery, the engine wouldn’t be able to work. According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, car batteries work by providing a jolt of electricity necessary to power all the electrical components of the vehicle. This is achieved through a chemical reaction that changes chemical energy into the electrical energy needed to deliver voltage to the starter. In addition to initially starting the car, the battery also keeps electric current steady to keep the engine running. The battery also works in conjunction with the alternator to power the electronics in the car, according to the automotive information blog Autosessive. While the car is running, the alternator reverses the current produced by the battery, recharging it as a result. This happens during long journeys, so people who drive for short bursts of time may find that their batteries will not have a chance to recharge and may not have the longevity desired. There is quite literally a lot riding on a functioning battery. No one wants to be caught stranded by a dead battery, so drivers may wonder if there are any indi-

cators that may signal the battery needs replacement. ► Slow turnover: If a vehicle does not immediately start or if the cranking is sluggish and takes longer to start, it may mean the battery is starting to fail. ► Frequent, short trips: Drivers who make frequent, short trips may find their car batteries do not have time to fully recharge. This, coupled with overtaxing thanks to a lot of accessory use, may cause the battery and the alternator to have shortened life spans. ► Low battery fluid levels: If the fluid level is below the energy conductor inside, it is often indicative of overcharging and excessive heat. ► Corrosion: Corrosion buildup, dust, dirt, and grime on battery connections may cause performance problems. Inspecting and cleaning the terminals can prolong the battery life. ► Odors and leaks: Battery leaks can produce a sulfur odor similar to the smell of a rotten egg. This can become problematic over time, and leaks may indicate an aging or damaged battery. ► Age: Most batteries have a finite life span. A well-maintained battery can last up to five years. Neglect can reduce that life expectancy considerably. ► Bloated or cracked battery case: Replace the battery immediately if the case is cracking, as it could be because excessive heat is swelling the battery. Understanding how car batteries work can help drivers keep their cars running smoothly.

Spring Auto Guide

April 2020

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