April 2016
CONNECTION A Special Supplement to The Daily Republic & ADvisor
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Auto Connection • April 2016
On the Cover Cover design by Lisa Nelsen. Cover photo by Metro Creative. Publication layout by Stacey Schleich.
Make auto care a priority during National Car Care Month
Inspections reveal 80 percent of vehicles need service
BETHESDA, MD. — Analytics are big these days in business, sports and politics. For auto care, the numbers tell a very revealing story as 80 percent of vehicles need service, a new part and/or repair, according to the non-profit Car Care Council. “With so many vehicles in need of service, National Car Care Month in April serves as an important reminder to take action today so you can depend on your vehicle down the
road,� said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It’s easy to postpone vehicle maintenance when things get busy, but don’t put it off. Addressing minor service needs before they become major will help you avoid unexpected car trouble and unplanned costly repairs.� The Car Care Council reports that vehicles inspected at community car care events held throughout the country in 2015 failed one or more aspects of the inspection process. Some areas posting the highest failure rates include: low fluid levels (washer fluid 26 percent, engine oil 23 percent and coolant 19 percent); clogged or dirty air filters 19 percent; illuminated check engine light 13 percent; worn belts 13 percent; and needed battery service and wiper blade replacement
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13 and 12 percent, respectively. “Many maintenance needs are quick and inexpensive to resolve, so it’s easy to make auto care a priority during National Car Care Month,� continued White. “To help you ‘be car care aware,’ the Car Care Council has many free tools available at www.carcare.org, including the popular Car Care Guide and a customized service schedule with email reminders that makes it simple to follow a routine maintenance program.� The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware� consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information, visit www.carcare.org. — Source: Car Care Council
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April 2016 • Auto Connection
Did you know?
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Facts, tips and history for vehicle owners Here are some tidbits for vehicle owners of all ages:
Car costs
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According to the popular website ThePeopleHistory.com, the average price for a new car in 1986 was $9,255. While figures for 2016 have yet to be determined, in September 2015, the automotive resource Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) reported that the average transaction price for light vehicles in August 2015 was $33,543. Those figures should raise eyebrows among consumers, as they illustrate just how much more expensive new cars have become over the last three decades. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index inflation calculator indicates that $9,255 in 1986 had the same buying power as $20,041.47 in 2015, leaving consumers in 2015 well short of the necessary funds needed to purchase
new vehicles. If new vehicle buyers in 1986 were faced with similar average car costs as buyers in 2015 faced, they would have needed $15,489.91 to drive a new car home from the dealership.
Most expensive road-legal cars
According to Digitaltrends.com, which ranked the most expensive recently made road-legal cars in the world, the most expensive car in the world is the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, which will set buyers back roughly $4.8 million. In ranking the cars, Digitaltrends.com ignored classic cars sold at auction and limited the list to one entrant per nameplate to prevent redundancies. The Swedishmade CCXR Trevita was developed with a new exterior manufacturers refer to as the See FACTS, Page 4
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Auto Connection • April 2016
FACTS
Continued from Page 3
Koenigsegg Proprietary Diamond Weave. That process involves coating carbon fibers with a diamond-dust impregnated resin, making the car one that only extremely wealthy auto enthusiasts can afford to call their own. Only three of the vehicles were ever made, which should help lawmakers rest
easy, as the 1,004 horsepower dual-supercharged V8 engine no doubt tempts drivers to push the pedal to the metal. For those who fall just short of the CCXR Trevita price tag, the Lamborghini Veneno checks in as the second most expensive car in the world. The Veneno and its 6.5-liter V12 engine can reach 60 miles per hour in under three seconds, all for the low price of just $4.5 million.
Best-selling cars in the US
Many auto manufacturers aspire to
build customer loyalty. Once a customer is satisfied with the performance and durability of a vehicle, he or she is more likely to purchase or lease cars produced by that vehicle’s manufacturer in the future. Each year, automotive trend reporters categorize those vehicles that command the greatest share of the car-buying market. In 2015, certain vehicles moved up the list, while others maintained their hold on the top spots. According to data through the third quarter of 2015 compiled by automakers and the automotive resource Good Car Bad Car, here are the Top 14 passenger cars of 2015 (excluding trucks and SUVs): 1. Toyota Camry 2. Honda Accord 3. Honda Civic 4. Toyota Corolla 5. Ford Fusion 6. Nissan Altima 7. Hyundai Elantra 8. Nissan Versa 9. Chevrolet Malibu 10. Hyundai Sonata 11. Subaru Outback 12. Nissan Sentra 13. Chevrolet Cruze 14. Kia Soul
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Pack an emergency kit
Motorists never know when problems with their vehicles may force them to pull off the road and onto the shoulder. Whether it’s a flat tire, a sputtering engine or an empty gas tank, such circumstances are never welcome. But such situations need not be so unbearable. Drivers who keep roadside emergency kits in their vehicles may find themselves getting back on the road more quickly the next time an unforeseen problem forces them to pull off the highway. The following are some musthave items drivers should include in their roadside emergency kits: • Roadside flares • First-aid kit • Jumper cables • Warm blankets • Flashlight • Screwdrivers (both flat-head and Phillips) • Tire-pressure gauge • Spare tire • De-icing agent • Nonperishable snacks • Extra fluids (i.e., motor oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, windshield washer) • Pliers • Cell phone charger • Important phone numbers (i.e., mechanic, auto insurance company) — Source: Metro Creative
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April 2016 • Auto Connection
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Keep the environment in mind when changing motor oil By METRO CREATIVE Vehicle engines rely on many components to run efficiently, and motor oil is just one of the things that can affect how well engines run. Motor oil serves to reduce wear on moving parts. Oil also cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing and cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts. Each manufacturer has its own recommendations for oil-change intervals, but many advise that conventional motor oil be changed every 3,000 miles, while synthetic oils should be changed between every 7,000 to 10,000 miles. “Ten years ago when I started in this thing, they’d say 3,000 miles,” said Vern Eide general sales manager Craig Engelland. “Now the stickers say 5,000 miles.” Excessive driving, extreme heat and even cold starts can cut down on oil life. Vehicles receive many oil changes over their lifespans, and as a result motor oil can have a significant impact on the environment. When not handled responsibly or when discarded improperly, petroleum-based oils can wreak havoc on wildlife, water supplies and more. Ecoconscious motorists can keep the following
tips in mind when changing their vehicles’ motor oil. • Rely on a major oil change chain or service center. Oil change locations generally offer motor oil recycling so the oil can be reused and disposed of properly. These centers also will top off other fluids and give your vehicle a brief inspection, making them quite convenient. “It depends on the make and model.” Engelland said. “If you take it to a dealership of the same make, they check for all the recalls and all the technical updates.” • Bring oil to a recycling location. If you perform your own oil changes, be sure to collect all of the drained oil and put it into a canister. Vehicle repair centers generally offer motor oil recycling services and serve as drop-off centers. Check with your municipal recycling center as well, as they may have a motor oil drop-off policy. • Opt for recycled motor oil. Certain brands of motor oil, such as EcoPower, are made from recycled and refined reclaimed motor oil. • Learn about synthetic oils. Synthetic oils can be more effective at lubricating and cooling, and they can
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be changed less frequently than traditional motor oils. This helps generate less waste. So, instead of having to get an oil change at 5,000 miles, Engelland said, synthetic could push it out a little bit to 7,000 miles instead. • Repair leaks promptly. If you notice oil or other fluids pooling under your vehicle, take the car to a mechanic. Even small leaks can contaminate
the environment. In addition, leaks put neighborhood animals and pets at risk, as animals may be drawn to the sweet taste or aroma of automotive fluids. Responsible vehicle maintenance includes taking measures to protect the environment. — The Daily Republic’s Sarah Barclay contributed to this report.
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Auto Connection • April 2016
How to help young drivers stay safe on the road
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requires both concentration and maturity. Seemingly innocent things can turn pleasurable car rides into accidents. Although driving education programs, testing and practice behind the wheel are required before kids can receive their drivers’ licenses, it takes more than classes, tests and limited practice for teens to become competent drivers. The National
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By METRO CREATIVE Teenagers typically anticipate the moment they receive their drivers’ licenses, feeling their personal freedom increases dramatically in such moments. While drivers’ licenses may be liberating for teen drivers, parents may be considerably less excited when their children pass their drivers’ tests. Driving is a big responsibility and one that
Center for Health Statistics says motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds. Statistics show that teen death rates increase with each additional passenger. Plus, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 53 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths among teenagers in 2012, the most recent year for data collection, occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. Considering one in five 16-year-old drivers has an accident within their first year of driving, according to statistics compiled by DoSomething.org, teen drivers may need more supervision and instruction. The following are some risks on the road to consider when educating teens. • All calls are risky. Turn off phones when in the car. The National Safety Council says more than 30 studies
show hands-free devices are no safer because the brain remains distracted by the conversation. When talking on a cell phone, drivers can miss seeing up to half of their surroundings, including traffic lights, stop signs and pedestrians. Younger, less experienced drivers may be even more distracted by phone calls. • Slow down. Crash risks for teens increase incrementally with each mile per hour over the speed limit. Speeding reduces drivers’ ability to avoid an accident, and new drivers may not be as capable of avoiding obstacles that come into their paths. • Go sparingly on passengers. The risk for automobile accidents increases with each additional passengers teens have in their cars. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found the risk increases 44 percent with one passenger,
doubles with two passengers and quadruples with three or more passengers. Friends in the backseat can prove very distracting or may even encourage young drivers to engage in risky behaviors. • Avoid other distractions. In addition to phones and too many passengers, teens are distracted by looking things in their own vehicle. For example, singing and dancing to music can distract teens’ attention from the road. In addition, some teens may tend to personal grooming when behind the wheel, further taking their attention away from the road. Getting a driver’s license is a milestone event in the lives of teenagers, but one they should not take for granted. Good drivers are not born, but developed through practice, avoiding distractions and adhering to the rules and regulations that govern the roads.
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April 2016 • Auto Connection
Tips for a fun and frugal road trip By METRO CREATIVE Driving vacations are popular for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is flexibility. Such excursions are not restricted by flight schedules, and travelers often feel as though they have more control over their trips when traveling by car rather than traveling by air. Road trips also can save travelers money, especially when traveling in groups of three or more and expenses such as fuel and tolls are shared. In addition to sharing the road with a few friends and family members, road trip enthusiasts can employ several other strategies to enjoy a vacation that’s both frugal and fun. • Downsize your vehicle. While prices at the pump have been more driver-friendly in recent months, road trippers who drive large sedans, trucks or SUVs might be able to save money by driving smaller vehicles during their trips. Especially small vehicles may be impractical and uncomfortable depending on the number of people who are making the trip, but mid-size vehicles with ample storage space tend to be more fuel-efficient than large trucks or SUVs. If someone in your traveling party drives such a vehicle and it’s in good shape, take that car instead of a larger alternative. • Get a tuneup. Another way to save money on your road trip is to get a vehicle tuneup in the days before your trip is set to begin. Let your mechanic know you are planning a road trip and ask that a full diagnostic test be conducted to make sure everything is running efficiently. An air filter nearing its expiration date may be worth replacing, as a new filter will help to save money on fuel. In
addition, replace tires with worn tread, as old or inadequately inflated tires will force the engine to work harder, wasting fuel and costing you and your fellow travelers money along the way.
• Consider various types of lodging. Road trippers who plan well in advance may be able to find great deals on lodging, but too much planning may cost travelers some of the flexibility and freedom they were hoping to enjoy during their vacations. Weather permitting, campsites can be unique and affordable places to stay. When planning your routes, choose roadways that are close to popular campsites, avoiding campsites that are too remote, as such sites may cost you in time and fuel what you’re saving on lodging. If campsites are unavailable, download hotel website apps on your phone and use these apps to find affordable rooms as you go. Simply showing up to hotels without reservations is unlikely to yield great rates, but apps may offer discounted rates on rooms hotels are simply looking to fill at the last minute. • Bring your own food. Fuel, lodging and food tend to be the three biggest expenses on driving vacations. Travelers who bring their own food can save a substantial amount of money and maintain some control over what they eat. That’s a big benefit for men and women who like to eat healthy and prefer to avoid the fast food fare that tends to be the only options available at rest stops. Road trips make for great vacations, and travelers can take many steps to make such excursions more affordable without sacrificing fun.
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Auto Connection • April 2016
Three-quarters of motorists ‘afraid’ to ride in self-driving car tonomous vehicles.” While only one-in-five Americans say they would trust an autonomous vehicle to drive itself, AAA’s survey revealed that consumer demand for semi-autonomous vehicle technology is high. “What Americans may not realize is that the building blocks towards self-driving cars are already in today’s vehicles and the technology is constantly improving and well-trusted by those who have experienced it,” said Buskohl. Nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of American drivers report wanting at least one of these technologies on their next vehicle: automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, self-parking technology or lane-keeping assist. Among drivers who want semi-autonomous features on their next vehicle, AAA found their primary motivation to be safety (84 percent), followed by convenience (64 percent), reducing stress (46 See SELF-DRIVING, Page 9
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With today’s heightened focus on autonomous vehicles, consumer fear of new technology poses a potential concern to the automotive industry as consumers may be reluctant to fully embrace the self-driving car. According to a new AAA survey, three out of four U.S. drivers report feeling “afraid” to ride in a self-driving car. Despite this significant fear, AAA also found that drivers who own vehicles equipped with semi-autonomous features are, on average, 75 percent more likely to trust the technology than those that do not own it, suggesting that gradual experience with these advanced features can ease consumer fears. “With the rapid advancement towards autonomous vehicles, drivers may be hesitant to give up full control,” said Marilyn Buskohl, spokeswoman for AAA South Dakota. “However, government and safety experts estimate that more than 80 percent of today’s crashes could be prevented by autonomous and semi-au-
April 2016 • Auto Connection Continued from Page 8
percent) and wanting the latest technology (30 percent). • Baby Boomers are more likely to cite safety as a reason they want semi-autonomous features on their next vehicle (89 percent) than Millennials (78 percent). • Millennials are more likely to cite convenience (75 percent) and wanting the latest technology (36 percent) compared to older generations. • Women are more likely to cite reducing stress as a reason for wanting the technology (50 percent) than men (42 percent) AAA’s survey also offered insights into why many Americans shy away from advanced vehicle technology. Among those who do not want semi-autonomous features on their next vehicle, drivers cite trusting their driving skills more than the technology (84 percent), feeling the technology is too new and unproven (60 percent), not wanting to pay extra for it (57 percent), not knowing enough about the technology (50 percent) and finding it annoying (45 percent) as the top reasons. • Millennials (63 percent) and Gen-
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SELF-DRIVING
Xers (62 percent) are more likely to cite not wanting to pay extra for semi-autonomous technology, compared to Baby Boomers (49 percent). • One-in-four female drivers (23 percent) cite feeling the technology is too complicated to use as a reason for not wanting the technology in their next vehicle, compared to 12 percent of male drivers. “While six in 10 drivers want semi-autonomous technology in their next vehicle, there are still 40 percent of Americans who are either undecided or reluctant to purchase these features,” said Buskohl. “It’s clear that education is the key to addressing consumer hesitation towards these features. AAA’s on-going objective is to evaluate vehicle technologies, highlighting both the benefits and limitations, to help drivers make informed choices.” In a related study of U.S. police-reported crash data, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety writes in “Status Report” on Jan. 28 that it found that “systems with automatic braking reduce rear-end crashes by about 40 percent on average, while forward collision warning alone cuts them by 23 percent. The autobrake systems also greatly reduce injury crashes.” — Source: AAA
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Auto Connection • April 2016
Simple maintenance tips to keep your ride running strong them to the levels listed in your owner’s manual. • Look for fluid leaks. Another telltale and easily identifiable sign that a vehicle needs some maintenance is the sight of fluids beneath the car. If you notice puddles or stains beneath where you normally park your car, your vehicle may be leaking fluids. Note the color and consistency of the fluid and then call your mechanic to determine which fluid is leaking and how to fix the problem. Troy Thill, president of Transmission Pros in Mitchell, said other signs, like an unexpected sound in the vehicle or an activated check engine light, should be checked by a mechanic “as soon as possible.” Stick to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules. Whether your vehicle is brand new or has some tread on its tire, consult the owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations with regard to changing fluids and replacing filters. Many recent models can now be driv-
en roughly 5,000 miles before they need an oil change, but check your owner’s manual for the guidelines established by your vehicle’s manufacturer, and adhere to that schedule religiously. If you drive an older car, recognize that the vehicle may benefit from more frequent oil changes and tuneups, but it is also dependent on how much you drive. Thill said transmission fluid in particular is often not replaced when necessary, and it must be changed more often with frequent heavy traffic driving and hauling trailers. “It’s kind of out-of-sight, out-of-mindtype thing. (Drivers) basically don’t think about it. A lot of times, they run it way over mileage,” Thill said. Typically, transmission fluid must be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, Thill said, but it’s important to look at the manufacturer’s recommendation. In addition, read the manual for additional guidelines, such as how often to replace the air filter, headlight, turn signal and brake lamps, windshield wipers, and other vehicle parts that can wear down over time.
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• Look under the hood, as well. While many drivers feel that the area beneath their vehicles’ hoods is best left to the professionals, you can still lift up the hood every so often to see if there are any glaring problems that demand attention. Inspect rubber belts for signs of wear and tear, and know that such belts may need to be replaced every 50,000 miles or even more frequently depending on your driving habits. Lifting the hood is also necessary when checking fluid levels, which you should check periodically and before and after any long trips. While checking fluid levels, it’s also good to inspect fluid color. Thill said oil is supposed to be a light brown, clear color, and transmission fluid is more red. Drivers who notice or suspect damage when performing simple vehicle maintenance should bring these concerns to the attention of their mechanics as soon as possible. — The Daily Republic’s Jake Shama contributed to this report.
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By METRO CREATIVE Motor vehicles are sizable investments that, for many people, trail only homes and educations in terms of the biggest expenses they will ever have. So it’s in drivers’ best interests to take every step possible to protect their investments and keep their vehicles running smoothly as long as possible. While knowledgeable mechanics can be invaluable resources, drivers can take several minor, simple steps to keep their cars running smoothly for years to come. • Perform weekly visual inspections. Few drivers take the time to look at their vehicles once those vehicles lose their new car luster. But visual inspections can help drivers find problems that, though minor, may impact their vehicles’ performance. For example, a routine examination of vehicle tires can indicate if those tires are properly inflated. Poorly inflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency and affect the overall safety of a vehicle. If tires appear flat, check their pressure and inflate
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April 2016 • Auto Connection
10 tips for auto buyers
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Americans are buying cars again — in a big way. The Automotive News Data Center reports car sales are up 3.3 percent so far this year compared to last year, with nearly 4.1 million cars sold in the first quarter of 2016. Lower gas prices certainly are playing a role but so are lower interest rates and higher wages in much of the country. “We expect to see car sales increase as the weather continues to heat up and consumers have extra money in their pockets from tax refund checks,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA South Dakota. “By the end of the year, the National Automobile Dealers Association predicts a record-setting 17.7 million vehicles will have been sold.” South Dakota motorists can reduce their new car buying stress by doing their homework, adopting a plan and using AAA’s top ten auto buying tips: • Shop around — Pick three or four models and price them out before you meet with a salesman. If you pick
• • • •
•
one specific make/model, you’re more likely to settle for the offering price. Shop online — You will know the value of the vehicle you like before you get to the lot. Dress to un-impress — Don’t flaunt your wealth to a dealer. They’re less likely to negotiate. Don’t rush — Avoid emotional sales, buying more than you can afford, or being upsold. Timing is everything — Most dealerships offer their best deals at the end of the month, end of the year, and when they want to unload last year’s vehicles to make room for new models. Don’t mention your trade-in too soon — Wait until after the purchase price of the vehicle being bought has been negotiated. This way, the dealer is locked-in to the negotiated price. Otherwise, they can manipulate the trade value and ultimately the cash price.
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• Don’t start talking about monthly payments — Focus instead on negotiating the purchase price. Once you start talking about monthly payments, everything gets confusing, because suddenly you don’t know if that’s the payment for 24 months, or 36 months, or how much of that would include interest charges if you’re financing the purchase through the dealer. • Consider not trading in a car — Think about selling it via an online website. You may get a better price for it online than what a dealer will give you in trade-in value. • Get pre-approved for a car loan — This way, if the dealer knows up front you’re pre- approved to get your financing elsewhere, they’re not going to try and hit you with a high interest rate. • Cross-shop between two or three dealerships — And feel free to tell a dealership that you’ve been to other
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dealers. From the dealer standpoint, customer service is what separates one dealership from the others who sell the same brand. If you are treated well during the purchase process, that’s a good indicator you’ll be treated right when you come back to have your car serviced or repaired. According to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at least one vehicle crash occurs every five seconds in the United States. Road-worthiness ratings, auto reviews, crash test ratings and CarFax vehicle reports are often useful as you begin the auto-buying process. Access this information and more at AAA.com (members receive discounts on CarFax reports). Buying a new car is a major investment. Consider using a car buying program such as the AAA Auto Buying Service that can leverage the buying power of millions of AAA members to pre-arrange AAA member pricing with participating dealers (AAA.com). — Source: AAA
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Auto Connection • April 2016
April 2016 • Auto Connection
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Distracted driving a real threat, experts say By METRO CREATIVE Dating back to the days of the first automobiles, drivers have always taken on a degree of risk when getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road. While technology has done much to mitigate that risk, it’s also contributed to the growing number of distractions drivers face on the road. Distracted driving is a significant threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2012 more than 3,300 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. Just a year earlier, 17 percent of crashes in which someone was injured involved distracted driving. Those figures are even more disturbing when one considers the problem of underreporting with regard to distracted driving. The National Safety Council notes that underreporting of mobile phone use leading to car crashes makes the issue of distracted driving appear less substantial than it likely is. Perhaps because they fear potential citations or even possible incarceration, many drivers involved in crashes do not admit to using mobile phones while driving. But a 2011 CDC study found that distracted driving is a genuine threat. In the study, survey participants were asked how often they had read or sent
a text message or email while driving in the previous 30 days. Nearly one-third of study participants in the United States admitted that they had, and those figures were similar in Portugal and Belgium. In addition, 69 percent of U.S. drivers between the ages of 18 and 64 reported that they had talked on their mobile phones while driving in the past 30 days. Combating distracted driving is not easy. As the use of mobile devices grows, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to put those devices down, even when they are behind the wheel of their automobiles. But there are some steps drivers can take to improve their awareness on the road. One such step is to reduce reliance on hands-free devices. Though it might seem as though hands-free devices are the ultimate weapon against distracted driving, the NSC reports that more than 30 studies have shown that such devices do not make drivers any safer. That’s because drivers remain distracted by the conservations they have while using hands-free devices. Reports from the NSC, Texas Transportation Institute and AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicate that drivers talking on handheld or hands-free devices can
fail to see as much as 50 percent of their surroundings. When driving, stick to driving so you can focus all of your attention on the road, where it belongs. Another step drivers can take to improve their awareness on the road is to educate themselves and their teenaged drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. A University of Utah study found that drivers using mobile phones had slower reaction times than drivers with a .08 blood alcohol content, which is the legal intoxication limit in many states. If more drivers realized that speaking on their mobile phones impairs their reaction time even more than driving drunk, then perhaps more people would put down their phones and continue their conversations once they reach their destinations. Finally, drivers who recognize their habits can take steps to prevent those habits from putting them in harm’s way. If you are never too far away from your mobile phone and unable to resist the urge to read and/or answer a text message or email, turn your phone off and put it in the glove compartment before you hit the road. Doing so might just save your life and the lives of your passengers and fellow motorists.
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Under pressure? TPMS dashboard light lets you know
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Newer model vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to warn drivers that at least one of their tires is underinflated. The dashboard light looks like an exclamation point inside of a horseshoe and, if illuminated, should be addressed immediately, according to the Car Care Council. “When the TPMS light goes on, it should not be ignored. Driving on underinflated tires can lead to an accident or cause damage to your vehicle,” said Rich White, Car Care Council executive director. “As part of a proactive auto care plan, tire pressure should be checked monthly, including the spare, as tires can lose pressure due to a number of factors, including seasonal temperature changes.” All vehicles manufactured after September 2007 feature a tire pressure monitoring system. When the TPMS warning light comes on, it means pressure in at least one of the tires has fallen
25 percent under the recommended pressure. Low tire pressure can be due to a number of factors, including climate, road hazards and driving conditions. Once the tires are inflated to the correct pressure as outlined in the owner’s manual, the warning light should go off. However, some vehicles may require a professional service technician to reset the light. According to the council’s free 80-page Car Care Guide, tires that are not properly inflated also add rolling resistance that makes the engine work harder to move the vehicle. This can lead to lower gas mileage and potential damage to the vehicle. “In addition to safety concerns, under-inflated tires can cost you more at the pump,” said White. “Simply inflating tires to the proper level can improve gas mileage by 3.3 percent or 10 cents per gallon.” — Source: Care Care Council
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Auto Connection • April 2016
Tesla vs. dealers: Let buyers decide
By The Washington Post Editorial Board America is the land of the free — unless your idea of freedom includes a right to build cars and sell them directly to the public, rather than through a third party. For those who try to do that, America morphs into a semi-feudal system of state-law trade barriers and bureaucracy whose ostensible purpose is to protect consumers but whose actual one is to protect incumbent holders of automobile retail franchises, as expert testimony confirmed at a Federal Trade Commission conference on the subject in January. This system, whose origins lie in a distant past where three major U.S. automakers made the vast majority of cars sold in the United States, and exercised power over dealers accordingly, is badly in need of innovation. Enter Tesla Motors, the all-electric carmaker from Silicon
OPINION Valley. Tesla has been taking on the dealers all over the country, and running into resistance from them — including in Virginia, where the company is bidding to open a direct-to-consumer car store in Richmond to go with the one it already has in Tysons Corner. Virginia, like most other states, prohibits new-car sales by anyone but a licensed dealer. Tesla was allowed to open in Tysons Corner only after it threatened to sue, which forced the state and the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association to negotiate a deal. Now Tesla is once again before a hearing officer of the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, being forced to explain why it would be in “the public interest” to open a Richmond store. The ultimate decision-maker after the hearing, which was recessed until
another session April 25, will be the same state commissioner who initially rejected Tesla’s Tysons Corner bid. A Tesla executive had to make his case in the face of cross-examination by a lawyer for the Virginia dealers association, which, like its counterparts in state capitals elsewhere, is accustomed to getting its way. The dealers’ remarkable position is that Tesla can sell in Virginia, as long as it sells through one of them. In truth, the economic stakes for Virginia’s incumbent dealers are relatively modest, given Tesla’s market share, which won’t be substantial even if its newly announced mass-market electric model does catch on with buyers eventually. What’s really key is the precedent that could be set by allowing a car manufacturer, any car manufacturer, to offer its wares directly to the public. If such a new distribution model proved competitive
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with the old one, as Tesla — and several experts who spoke at the FTC conference — maintain it might well be, the whole edifice of dealer privilege could come tumbling down. Dealers maintain that laws protecting their business model ensure that customers have a reliable partner for warranty repairs, and for all the compli-
cated paperwork involved in financing what is, after a house, the largest purchase most people will ever make. For all we know, they’re right; but it would seem that the way to settle the matter is to let competitors do battle for the business and have the customer decide. Last time we checked, that’s the American way.
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Navigating pothole season safely You may be in for a bumpy ride
As winter winds down and the weather gets warmer, motorists will see more potholes on the roadways and avoiding them can be a real challenge. If you hit a pothole, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends watching for three warning signs to determine if your vehicle has been damaged. Loss of control, swaying when making routine turns, bottoming out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged. The steering and suspension are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Pulling in one direction, instead of maintaining a straight path, and uneven tire wear, are symptoms of an alignment problem. Proper wheel alignment is important for the lifespan of tires and helps ensure safe handling. Low tire pressure, bulges or blisters on the sidewalls, or dents in the wheel rim will be visible and should be checked out
as soon as possible, as tires are the critical connection between your car and the road. If you feel your vehicle has suffered damage from hitting a pothole, it is wise to have it inspected by a professional service technician. Potholes occur when water permeates the pavement — usually through a crack — and softens the soil beneath it, creating a depression in the surface of the street. Many potholes appear during winter and spring months because of freeze-thaw cycles. Potholes can also be prevalent in areas with excessive rainfall and flooding. “Pothole season may last longer these days as many municipalities do not have the resources to fill potholes as fast as they should, leaving drivers to dodge them well into late spring and summer,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Because hitting a pothole can put a big dent in your wallet, making necessary repairs right away could save you from more costly ones down what could be a very bumpy road.” — Source: Car Care Council
Metro Creative photo Tire balance is checked on a machine that will measure heavy spots. Technicians will apply weights to the tires to balance any inconsistencies in weight.
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Auto Connection • April 2016
Prevent bugs, sap and other substances from ruining a vehicle By METRO CREATIVE 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 may not be something to look forward to, but it is necessary to keep cars looking pristine.
Tree sap
According to Cars.com, an automotive 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 vehi-
cle 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.
Insects and bird droppings
Splattered bugs and avian surprises dropped from above can be a messy, unsightly nuisance. Their acidic composition also may cause them to damage paint over time. Bugs and droppings can be sticky, so you will need to work with something that will remove the splatter without removing the paint in the process. A product like WD-40 may help. This oily product is normally used on rust and hinges. When applied with a cloth and allowed to penetrate the stain, it can loosen difficult-to-remove sticky substances. Always test any product you use in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolor your the paint. Insects or droppings that are fresh may
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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.
Tar
Soap and water will do little to remove tar and other petroleum-based products from vehicles. Commercial tar removal products use a strong solvent or deter-
gent to loosen the tar. This may include kerosene, mineral spirits or another item mixed with lubricants. Go slowly and use caution so that you remove the tar and not the paint. Drivers who are hesitant to clean their vehicles of common residue can have their cars or trucks professionally detailed, leaving the work in the hands of experts.
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Auto Connection • April 2016
On the Cover Cover design by Lisa Nelsen. Cover photo by Metro Creative. Publication layout by Stacey Schleich.
Make auto care a priority during National Car Care Month
Inspections reveal 80 percent of vehicles need service
BETHESDA, MD. — Analytics are big these days in business, sports and politics. For auto care, the numbers tell a very revealing story as 80 percent of vehicles need service, a new part and/or repair, according to the non-profit Car Care Council. “With so many vehicles in need of service, National Car Care Month in April serves as an important reminder to take action today so you can depend on your vehicle down the
road,� said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It’s easy to postpone vehicle maintenance when things get busy, but don’t put it off. Addressing minor service needs before they become major will help you avoid unexpected car trouble and unplanned costly repairs.� The Car Care Council reports that vehicles inspected at community car care events held throughout the country in 2015 failed one or more aspects of the inspection process. Some areas posting the highest failure rates include: low fluid levels (washer fluid 26 percent, engine oil 23 percent and coolant 19 percent); clogged or dirty air filters 19 percent; illuminated check engine light 13 percent; worn belts 13 percent; and needed battery service and wiper blade replacement
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13 and 12 percent, respectively. “Many maintenance needs are quick and inexpensive to resolve, so it’s easy to make auto care a priority during National Car Care Month,� continued White. “To help you ‘be car care aware,’ the Car Care Council has many free tools available at www.carcare.org, including the popular Car Care Guide and a customized service schedule with email reminders that makes it simple to follow a routine maintenance program.� The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware� consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For more information, visit www.carcare.org. — Source: Car Care Council
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Did you know?
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Facts, tips and history for vehicle owners Here are some tidbits for vehicle owners of all ages:
Car costs
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According to the popular website ThePeopleHistory.com, the average price for a new car in 1986 was $9,255. While figures for 2016 have yet to be determined, in September 2015, the automotive resource Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) reported that the average transaction price for light vehicles in August 2015 was $33,543. Those figures should raise eyebrows among consumers, as they illustrate just how much more expensive new cars have become over the last three decades. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index inflation calculator indicates that $9,255 in 1986 had the same buying power as $20,041.47 in 2015, leaving consumers in 2015 well short of the necessary funds needed to purchase
new vehicles. If new vehicle buyers in 1986 were faced with similar average car costs as buyers in 2015 faced, they would have needed $15,489.91 to drive a new car home from the dealership.
Most expensive road-legal cars
According to Digitaltrends.com, which ranked the most expensive recently made road-legal cars in the world, the most expensive car in the world is the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, which will set buyers back roughly $4.8 million. In ranking the cars, Digitaltrends.com ignored classic cars sold at auction and limited the list to one entrant per nameplate to prevent redundancies. The Swedishmade CCXR Trevita was developed with a new exterior manufacturers refer to as the See FACTS, Page 4
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Auto Connection • April 2016
FACTS
Continued from Page 3
Koenigsegg Proprietary Diamond Weave. That process involves coating carbon fibers with a diamond-dust impregnated resin, making the car one that only extremely wealthy auto enthusiasts can afford to call their own. O nly three of the vehicles were ever made, which should help lawmakers rest
easy, as the 1,004 horsepower dual-supercharged V 8 engine no doubt tempts drivers to push the pedal to the metal. F or those who fall just short of the CCXR Trevita price tag, the Lamborghini V eneno checks in as the second most expensive car in the world. The V eneno and its 6.5-liter V 12 engine can reach 60 miles per hour in under three seconds, all for the low price of just $4.5 million.
Best-selling cars in the US
M any auto manufacturers aspire to
build customer loyalty. O nce a customer is satisfied with the performance and durability of a vehicle, he or she is more likely to purchase or lease cars produced by that vehicle’ s manufacturer in the future. E ach year, automotive trend reporters categoriz e those vehicles that command the greatest share of the car-buying market. In 2015, certain vehicles moved up the list, while others maintained their hold on the top spots. According to data through the third q uarter of 2015 compiled by automakers and the automotive resource G ood Car Bad Car, here are the Top 14 passenger cars of 2015 (excluding trucks and SUV s): 1. Toyota Camry 2. Honda Accord 3. Honda Civic 4. Toyota Corolla 5. F ord F usion 6. N issan Altima 7. Hyundai E lantra 8. N issan V ersa 9. Chevrolet M alibu 10. Hyundai Sonata 11. Subaru O utback 12. N issan Sentra 13. Chevrolet Cruz e 14. Kia Soul
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Pack an emergency kit
M otorists never know when problems with their vehicles may force them to pull off the road and onto the shoulder. Whether it’ s a flat tire, a sputtering engine or an empty gas tank, such circumstances are never welcome. But such situations need not be so unbearable. Drivers who keep roadside emergency kits in their vehicles may find themselves getting back on the road more q uickly the next time an unforeseen problem forces them to pull off the highway. The following are some musthave items drivers should include in their roadside emergency kits: • Roadside flares • F irst-aid kit • J umper cables • Warm blankets • F lashlight • Screwdrivers (both flat-head and Phillips) • Tire-pressure gauge • Spare tire • De-icing agent • N onperishable snacks • E xtra fluids (i.e., motor oil, brake fluid, antifreez e, windshield washer) • Pliers • Cell phone charger • Important phone numbers (i.e., mechanic, auto insurance company) — Source: Metro Creative
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Keep the environment in mind when changing motor oil By METRO CREATIVE V ehicle engines rely on many components to run efficiently, and motor oil is just one of the things that can affect how well engines run. M otor oil serves to reduce wear on moving parts. O il also cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing and cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts. E ach manufacturer has its own recommendations for oil-change intervals, but many advise that conventional motor oil be changed every 3,000 miles, while synthetic oils should be changed between every 7,000 to 10,000 miles. “ Ten years ago when I started in this thing, they’ d say 3,000 miles,” said V ern E ide general sales manager Craig E ngelland. “ N ow the stickers say 5,000 miles.” E xcessive driving, extreme heat and even cold starts can cut down on oil life. V ehicles receive many oil changes over their lifespans, and as a result motor oil can have a significant impact on the environment. When not handled responsibly or when discarded improperly, petroleum-based oils can wreak havoc on wildlife, water supplies and more. E coconscious motorists can keep the following
tips in mind when changing their vehicles’ motor oil. • Rely on a major oil change chain or service center. O il change locations generally offer motor oil recycling so the oil can be reused and disposed of properly. These centers also will top off other fluids and give your vehicle a brief inspection, making them q uite convenient. “ It depends on the make and model.” E ngelland said. “ If you take it to a dealership of the same make, they check for all the recalls and all the technical updates.” • Bring oil to a recycling location. If you perform your own oil changes, be sure to collect all of the drained oil and put it into a canister. V ehicle repair centers generally offer motor oil recycling services and serve as drop-off centers. Check with your municipal recycling center as well, as they may have a motor oil drop-off policy. • O pt for recycled motor oil. Certain brands of motor oil, such as E coPower, are made from recycled and refined reclaimed motor oil. • Learn about synthetic oils. Synthetic oils can be more effective at lubricating and cooling, and they can
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be changed less freq uently than traditional motor oils. This helps generate less waste. So, instead of having to get an oil change at 5,000 miles, E ngelland said, synthetic could push it out a little bit to 7,000 miles instead. • Repair leaks promptly. If you notice oil or other fluids pooling under your vehicle, take the car to a mechanic. E ven small leaks can contaminate
the environment. In addition, leaks put neighborhood animals and pets at risk, as animals may be drawn to the sweet taste or aroma of automotive fluids. Responsible vehicle maintenance includes taking measures to protect the environment. — The Daily Republic’s Sarah Barclay contributed to this report.
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Auto Connection • April 2016
How to help young drivers stay safe on the road
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requires both concentration and maturity. Seemingly innocent things can turn pleasurable car rides into accidents. Although driving education programs, testing and practice behind the wheel are required before kids can receive their drivers’ licenses, it takes more than classes, tests and limited practice for teens to become competent drivers. The National
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By METRO CREATIVE Teenagers typically anticipate the moment they receive their drivers’ licenses, feeling their personal freedom increases dramatically in such moments. While drivers’ licenses may be liberating for teen drivers, parents may be considerably less excited when their children pass their drivers’ tests. Driving is a big responsibility and one that
Center for Health Statistics says motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds. Statistics show that teen death rates increase with each additional passenger. Plus, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 53 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths among teenagers in 2012, the most recent year for data collection, occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight. Considering one in five 16-year-old drivers has an accident within their first year of driving, according to statistics compiled by DoSomething.org, teen drivers may need more supervision and instruction. The following are some risks on the road to consider when educating teens. • All calls are risky. Turn off phones when in the car. The National Safety Council says more than 30 studies
show hands-free devices are no safer because the brain remains distracted by the conversation. When talking on a cell phone, drivers can miss seeing up to half of their surroundings, including traffic lights, stop signs and pedestrians. Younger, less experienced drivers may be even more distracted by phone calls. • Slow down. Crash risks for teens increase incrementally with each mile per hour over the speed limit. Speeding reduces drivers’ ability to avoid an accident, and new drivers may not be as capable of avoiding obstacles that come into their paths. • Go sparingly on passengers. The risk for automobile accidents increases with each additional passengers teens have in their cars. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found the risk increases 44 percent with one passenger,
doubles with two passengers and quadruples with three or more passengers. Friends in the backseat can prove very distracting or may even encourage young drivers to engage in risky behaviors. • Avoid other distractions. In addition to phones and too many passengers, teens are distracted by looking things in their own vehicle. For example, singing and dancing to music can distract teens’ attention from the road. In addition, some teens may tend to personal grooming when behind the wheel, further taking their attention away from the road. Getting a driver’s license is a milestone event in the lives of teenagers, but one they should not take for granted. Good drivers are not born, but developed through practice, avoiding distractions and adhering to the rules and regulations that govern the roads.
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April 2016 • Auto Connection
Tips for a fun and frugal road trip By METRO CREATIVE Driving vacations are popular for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is flexibility. Such excursions are not restricted by flight schedules, and travelers often feel as though they have more control over their trips when traveling by car rather than traveling by air. Road trips also can save travelers money, especially when traveling in groups of three or more and expenses such as fuel and tolls are shared. In addition to sharing the road with a few friends and family members, road trip enthusiasts can employ several other strategies to enjoy a vacation that’ s both frugal and fun. • Downsize your vehicle. While prices at the pump have been more driver-friendly in recent months, road trippers who drive large sedans, trucks or SUV s might be able to save money by driving smaller vehicles during their trips. E specially small vehicles may be impractical and uncomfortable depending on the number of people who are making the trip, but mid-siz e vehicles with ample storage space tend to be more fuel-efficient than large trucks or SUV s. If someone in your traveling party drives such a vehicle and it’ s in good shape, take that car instead of a larger alternative. • Get a tuneup. Another way to save money on your road trip is to get a vehicle tuneup in the days before your trip is set to begin. Let your mechanic know you are planning a road trip and ask that a full diagnostic test be conducted to make sure everything is running efficiently. An air filter nearing its expiration date may be worth replacing, as a new filter will help to save money on fuel. In
addition, replace tires with worn tread, as old or inadeq uately inflated tires will force the engine to work harder, wasting fuel and costing you and your fellow travelers money along the way.
• Consider various types of lodging. Road trippers who plan well in advance may be able to find great deals on lodging, but too much planning may cost travelers some of the flexibility and freedom they were hoping to enjoy during their vacations. Weather permitting, campsites can be uniq ue and affordable places to stay. When planning your routes, choose roadways that are close to popular campsites, avoiding campsites that are too remote, as such sites may cost you in time and fuel what you’ re saving on lodging. If campsites are unavailable, download hotel website apps on your phone and use these apps to find affordable rooms as you go. Simply showing up to hotels without reservations is unlikely to yield great rates, but apps may offer discounted rates on rooms hotels are simply looking to fill at the last minute. • Bring your own food. F uel, lodging and food tend to be the three biggest expenses on driving vacations. Travelers who bring their own food can save a substantial amount of money and maintain some control over what they eat. That’ s a big benefit for men and women who like to eat healthy and prefer to avoid the fast food fare that tends to be the only options available at rest stops. Road trips make for great vacations, and travelers can take many steps to make such excursions more affordable without sacrificing fun.
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Auto Connection • April 2016
Three-quarters of motorists ‘afraid’ to ride in self-driving car tonomous vehicles.” While only one-in-five Americans say they would trust an autonomous vehicle to drive itself, AAA’s survey revealed that consumer demand for semi-autonomous vehicle technology is high. “What Americans may not realize is that the building blocks towards self-driving cars are already in today’s vehicles and the technology is constantly improving and well-trusted by those who have experienced it,” said Buskohl. Nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of American drivers report wanting at least one of these technologies on their next vehicle: automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, self-parking technology or lane-keeping assist. Among drivers who want semi-autonomous features on their next vehicle, AAA found their primary motivation to be safety (84 percent), followed by convenience (64 percent), reducing stress (46 See SELF-DRIVING, Page 9
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EXPERIENCED AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN •Preferably two years’ or completion of tech school. •Salary based upon experience. •Call Dave at (605) 928-7202 or stop by 304 S. S.D. Highway 37 to apply. •Pape Automotive is a family-owned full service auto and light truck repair facility specializing in customer satisfaction. •Pape Automotive is open Monday-Friday 8-6 and Saturdays by appointment.
304 SD Hwy 37, Parkston, SD 605-928-7202
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With today’s heightened focus on autonomous vehicles, consumer fear of new technology poses a potential concern to the automotive industry as consumers may be reluctant to fully embrace the self-driving car. According to a new AAA survey, three out of four U.S. drivers report feeling “afraid” to ride in a self-driving car. Despite this significant fear, AAA also found that drivers who own vehicles equipped with semi-autonomous features are, on average, 75 percent more likely to trust the technology than those that do not own it, suggesting that gradual experience with these advanced features can ease consumer fears. “With the rapid advancement towards autonomous vehicles, drivers may be hesitant to give up full control,” said Marilyn Buskohl, spokeswoman for AAA South Dakota. “However, government and safety experts estimate that more than 80 percent of today’s crashes could be prevented by autonomous and semi-au-
April 2016 • Auto Connection Continued from Page 8
percent) and wanting the latest technology (30 percent). • Baby Boomers are more likely to cite safety as a reason they want semi-autonomous features on their next vehicle (89 percent) than Millennials (78 percent). • Millennials are more likely to cite convenience (75 percent) and wanting the latest technology (36 percent) compared to older generations. • Women are more likely to cite reducing stress as a reason for wanting the technology (50 percent) than men (42 percent) AAA’s survey also offered insights into why many Americans shy away from advanced vehicle technology. Among those who do not want semi-autonomous features on their next vehicle, drivers cite trusting their driving skills more than the technology (84 percent), feeling the technology is too new and unproven (60 percent), not wanting to pay extra for it (57 percent), not knowing enough about the technology (50 percent) and finding it annoying (45 percent) as the top reasons. • Millennials (63 percent) and Gen-
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At Jay Egge Automatic Service, we truly are “Driven to be the Best.” We’re the largest and most successful transmission repair businesses in the area because of two things: our commitment to quality and dedication to customer satisfaction. As one of the oldest transmission repair businesses in Sioux Falls, we have more than 39 years of proven performance, making Jay Egge Automatic a company you can trust for hands-free transmission repair.
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SELF-DRIVING
Xers (62 percent) are more likely to cite not wanting to pay extra for semi-autonomous technology, compared to Baby Boomers (49 percent). • One-in-four female drivers (23 percent) cite feeling the technology is too complicated to use as a reason for not wanting the technology in their next vehicle, compared to 12 percent of male drivers. “While six in 10 drivers want semi-autonomous technology in their next vehicle, there are still 40 percent of Americans who are either undecided or reluctant to purchase these features,” said Buskohl. “It’s clear that education is the key to addressing consumer hesitation towards these features. AAA’s on-going objective is to evaluate vehicle technologies, highlighting both the benefits and limitations, to help drivers make informed choices.” In a related study of U.S. police-reported crash data, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety writes in “Status Report” on Jan. 28 that it found that “systems with automatic braking reduce rear-end crashes by about 40 percent on average, while forward collision warning alone cuts them by 23 percent. The autobrake systems also greatly reduce injury crashes.” — Source: AAA
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Auto Connection • April 2016
Simple maintenance tips to keep your ride running strong
By METRO CREATIVE Motor vehicles are sizable investments that, for many people, trail only homes and educations in terms of the biggest expenses they will ever have. So it’s in drivers’ best interests to take every step possible to protect their investments and keep their vehicles running smoothly as long as possible. While knowledgeable mechanics can be invaluable resources, drivers can take several minor, simple steps to keep their cars running smoothly for years to come. • Perform weekly visual inspections. Few drivers take the time to look at their vehicles once those vehicles lose their new car luster. But visual inspections can help drivers find problems that, though minor, may impact their vehicles’ performance. For example, a routine examination of vehicle tires can indicate if those tires are properly inflated. Poorly inflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency and affect the overall safety of a vehicle. If tires appear flat, check their pressure and inflate them to the levels listed in your owner’s manual. • Look for fluid leaks. Another telltale and easily identifiable sign that a vehicle needs some maintenance is the sight of fluids beneath the car. If you notice puddles or stains beneath where you normally park your car, your vehicle may be leaking fluids. Note the color and consistency of the fluid and then call your mechanic to determine which fluid is leaking and how to fix the problem. Troy Thill, president of Transmission Pros in Mitchell, said other signs, like an unexpected sound in the vehicle or an activated check engine light, should be checked by a mechanic “as soon as possible.” Stick to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules. Whether your vehicle is brand new or has some tread on its tire, consult the owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations with regard to changing fluids and replacing filters. Many recent models can now be driv-
en roughly 5,000 miles before they need an oil change, but check your owner’s manual for the guidelines established by your vehicle’s manufacturer, and adhere to that schedule religiously. If you drive an older car, recognize that the vehicle may benefit from more frequent oil changes and tuneups, but it is also dependent on how much you drive. Thill said transmission fluid in particular is often not replaced when necessary, and it must be changed more often with frequent heavy traffic driving and hauling trailers. “It’s kind of out-of-sight, out-of-mindtype thing. (Drivers) basically don’t think about it. A lot of times, they run it way over mileage,” Thill said. Typically, transmission fluid must be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, Thill said, but it’s important to look at the manufacturer’s recommendation. In addition, read the manual for additional guidelines, such as how often to replace the air filter, headlight, turn signal and brake lamps, windshield wipers, and other vehicle parts that can wear down over time. • Look under the hood, as well. While many drivers feel that the area beneath their vehicles’ hoods is best left to the professionals, you can still lift up the hood every so often to see if there are any glaring problems that demand attention. Inspect rubber belts for signs of wear and tear, and know that such belts may need to be replaced every 50,000 miles or even more frequently depending on your driving habits. Lifting the hood is also necessary when checking fluid levels, which you should check periodically and before and after any long trips. While checking fluid levels, it’s also good to inspect fluid color. Thill said oil is supposed to be a light brown, clear color, and transmission fluid is more red. Drivers who notice or suspect damage when performing simple vehicle maintenance should bring these concerns to the attention of their mechanics as soon as possible. — The Daily Republic’s Jake Shama contributed to this report.
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April 2016 • Auto Connection
10 tips for auto buyers
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Americans are buying cars again — in a big way. The Automotive News Data Center reports car sales are up 3.3 percent so far this year compared to last year, with nearly 4.1 million cars sold in the first quarter of 2016. Lower gas prices certainly are playing a role but so are lower interest rates and higher wages in much of the country. “We expect to see car sales increase as the weather continues to heat up and consumers have extra money in their pockets from tax refund checks,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA South Dakota. “By the end of the year, the National Automobile Dealers Association predicts a record-setting 17.7 million vehicles will have been sold.” South Dakota motorists can reduce their new car buying stress by doing their homework, adopting a plan and using AAA’s top ten auto buying tips: • Shop around — Pick three or four models and price them out before you meet with a salesman. If you pick
• • • •
•
one specific make/model, you’re more likely to settle for the offering price. Shop online — You will know the value of the vehicle you like before you get to the lot. Dress to un-impress — Don’t flaunt your wealth to a dealer. They’re less likely to negotiate. Don’t rush — Avoid emotional sales, buying more than you can afford, or being upsold. Timing is everything — Most dealerships offer their best deals at the end of the month, end of the year, and when they want to unload last year’s vehicles to make room for new models. Don’t mention your trade-in too soon — Wait until after the purchase price of the vehicle being bought has been negotiated. This way, the dealer is locked-in to the negotiated price. Otherwise, they can manipulate the trade value and ultimately the cash price.
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• Don’t start talking about monthly payments — Focus instead on negotiating the purchase price. Once you start talking about monthly payments, everything gets confusing, because suddenly you don’t know if that’s the payment for 24 months, or 36 months, or how much of that would include interest charges if you’re financing the purchase through the dealer. • Consider not trading in a car — Think about selling it via an online website. You may get a better price for it online than what a dealer will give you in trade-in value. • Get pre-approved for a car loan — This way, if the dealer knows up front you’re pre- approved to get your financing elsewhere, they’re not going to try and hit you with a high interest rate. • Cross-shop between two or three dealerships — And feel free to tell a dealership that you’ve been to other
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Starr Automotive 1804 West Havens, Mitchell, SD Located in the shop at the Pro Contracting Complex Contact Mike at 605-933-2005
dealers. From the dealer standpoint, customer service is what separates one dealership from the others who sell the same brand. If you are treated well during the purchase process, that’s a good indicator you’ll be treated right when you come back to have your car serviced or repaired. According to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at least one vehicle crash occurs every five seconds in the United States. Road-worthiness ratings, auto reviews, crash test ratings and CarFax vehicle reports are often useful as you begin the auto-buying process. Access this information and more at AAA.com (members receive discounts on CarFax reports). Buying a new car is a major investment. Consider using a car buying program such as the AAA Auto Buying Service that can leverage the buying power of millions of AAA members to pre-arrange AAA member pricing with participating dealers (AAA.com). — Source: AAA
725 S. MAIN • KIMBALL, SD 605-778-6483
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Auto Connection • April 2016
April 2016 • Auto Connection
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Distracted driving a real threat, experts say By METRO CREATIVE Dating back to the days of the first automobiles, drivers have always taken on a degree of risk when getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road. While technology has done much to mitigate that risk, it’ s also contributed to the growing number of distractions drivers face on the road. Distracted driving is a significant threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2012 more than 3,300 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. J ust a year earlier, 17 percent of crashes in which someone was injured involved distracted driving. Those figures are even more disturbing when one considers the problem of underreporting with regard to distracted driving. The N ational Safety Council notes that underreporting of mobile phone use leading to car crashes makes the issue of distracted driving appear less substantial than it likely is. Perhaps because they fear potential citations or even possible incarceration, many drivers involved in crashes do not admit to using mobile phones while driving. But a 2011 CDC study found that distracted driving is a genuine threat. In the study, survey participants were asked how often they had read or sent
a text message or email while driving in the previous 30 days. N early one-third of study participants in the United States admitted that they had, and those figures were similar in Portugal and Belgium. In addition, 69 percent of U.S. drivers between the ages of 18 and 64 reported that they had talked on their mobile phones while driving in the past 30 days. Combating distracted driving is not easy. As the use of mobile devices grows, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to put those devices down, even when they are behind the wheel of their automobiles. But there are some steps drivers can take to improve their awareness on the road. O ne such step is to reduce reliance on hands-free devices. Though it might seem as though hands-free devices are the ultimate weapon against distracted driving, the N SC reports that more than 30 studies have shown that such devices do not make drivers any safer. That’ s because drivers remain distracted by the conservations they have while using hands-free devices. Reports from the N SC, Texas Transportation Institute and AAA F oundation for Traffic Safety indicate that drivers talking on handheld or hands-free devices can
fail to see as much as 50 percent of their surroundings. When driving, stick to driving so you can focus all of your attention on the road, where it belongs. Another step drivers can take to improve their awareness on the road is to educate themselves and their teenaged drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. A University of Utah study found that drivers using mobile phones had slower reaction times than drivers with a .08 blood alcohol content, which is the legal intoxication limit in many states. If more drivers realiz ed that speaking on their mobile phones impairs their reaction time even more than driving drunk, then perhaps more people would put down their phones and continue their conversations once they reach their destinations. F inally, drivers who recogniz e their habits can take steps to prevent those habits from putting them in harm’ s way. If you are never too far away from your mobile phone and unable to resist the urge to read and/ or answer a text message or email, turn your phone off and put it in the glove compartment before you hit the road. Doing so might just save your life and the lives of your passengers and fellow motorists.
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Under pressure? TPMS dashboard light lets you know
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N ewer model vehicles are eq uipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPM S) to warn drivers that at least one of their tires is underinflated. The dashboard light looks like an exclamation point inside of a horseshoe and, if illuminated, should be addressed immediately, according to the Car Care Council. “ When the TPM S light goes on, it should not be ignored. Driving on underinflated tires can lead to an accident or cause damage to your vehicle,” said Rich White, Car Care Council executive director. “ As part of a proactive auto care plan, tire pressure should be checked monthly, including the spare, as tires can lose pressure due to a number of factors, including seasonal temperature changes.” All vehicles manufactured after September 2007 feature a tire pressure monitoring system. When the TPM S warning light comes on, it means pressure in at least one of the tires has fallen
25 percent under the recommended pressure. Low tire pressure can be due to a number of factors, including climate, road haz ards and driving conditions. O nce the tires are inflated to the correct pressure as outlined in the owner’ s manual, the warning light should go off. However, some vehicles may req uire a professional service technician to reset the light. According to the council’ s free 80-page Car Care G uide, tires that are not properly inflated also add rolling resistance that makes the engine work harder to move the vehicle. This can lead to lower gas mileage and potential damage to the vehicle. “ In addition to safety concerns, under-inflated tires can cost you more at the pump,” said White. “ Simply inflating tires to the proper level can improve gas mileage by 3.3 percent or 10 cents per gallon.” — Source: Care Care Council
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Auto Connection • April 2016
Tesla vs. dealers: Let buyers decide
By The Washington Post Editorial Board America is the land of the free — unless your idea of freedom includes a right to build cars and sell them directly to the public, rather than through a third party. For those who try to do that, America morphs into a semi-feudal system of state-law trade barriers and bureaucracy whose ostensible purpose is to protect consumers but whose actual one is to protect incumbent holders of automobile retail franchises, as expert testimony confirmed at a Federal Trade Commission conference on the subject in January. This system, whose origins lie in a distant past where three major U.S. automakers made the vast majority of cars sold in the United States, and exercised power over dealers accordingly, is badly in need of innovation. Enter Tesla Motors, the all-electric carmaker from Silicon
OPINION Valley. Tesla has been taking on the dealers all over the country, and running into resistance from them — including in Virginia, where the company is bidding to open a direct-to-consumer car store in Richmond to go with the one it already has in Tysons Corner. Virginia, like most other states, prohibits new-car sales by anyone but a licensed dealer. Tesla was allowed to open in Tysons Corner only after it threatened to sue, which forced the state and the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association to negotiate a deal. Now Tesla is once again before a hearing officer of the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, being forced to explain why it would be in “the public interest” to open a Richmond store. The ultimate decision-maker after the hearing, which was recessed until
another session April 25, will be the same state commissioner who initially rejected Tesla’s Tysons Corner bid. A Tesla executive had to make his case in the face of cross-examination by a lawyer for the Virginia dealers association, which, like its counterparts in state capitals elsewhere, is accustomed to getting its way. The dealers’ remarkable position is that Tesla can sell in Virginia, as long as it sells through one of them. In truth, the economic stakes for Virginia’s incumbent dealers are relatively modest, given Tesla’s market share, which won’t be substantial even if its newly announced mass-market electric model does catch on with buyers eventually. What’s really key is the precedent that could be set by allowing a car manufacturer, any car manufacturer, to offer its wares directly to the public. If such a new distribution model proved competitive
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with the old one, as Tesla — and several experts who spoke at the FTC conference — maintain it might well be, the whole edifice of dealer privilege could come tumbling down. Dealers maintain that laws protecting their business model ensure that customers have a reliable partner for warranty repairs, and for all the compli-
cated paperwork involved in financing what is, after a house, the largest purchase most people will ever make. For all we know, they’re right; but it would seem that the way to settle the matter is to let competitors do battle for the business and have the customer decide. Last time we checked, that’s the American way.
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April 2016 • Auto Connection
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Navigating pothole season safely You may be in for a bumpy ride
As winter winds down and the weather gets warmer, motorists will see more potholes on the roadways and avoiding them can be a real challenge. If you hit a pothole, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends watching for three warning signs to determine if your vehicle has been damaged. Loss of control, swaying when making routine turns, bottoming out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged. The steering and suspension are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine your car’ s ride and handling. Pulling in one direction, instead of maintaining a straight path, and uneven tire wear, are symptoms of an alignment problem. Proper wheel alignment is important for the lifespan of tires and helps ensure safe handling. Low tire pressure, bulges or blisters on the sidewalls, or dents in the wheel rim will be visible and should be checked out
as soon as possible, as tires are the critical connection between your car and the road. If you feel your vehicle has suffered damage from hitting a pothole, it is wise to have it inspected by a professional service technician. Potholes occur when water permeates the pavement — usually through a crack — and softens the soil beneath it, creating a depression in the surface of the street. M any potholes appear during winter and spring months because of freez e-thaw cycles. Potholes can also be prevalent in areas with excessive rainfall and flooding. “ Pothole season may last longer these days as many municipalities do not have the resources to fill potholes as fast as they should, leaving drivers to dodge them well into late spring and summer,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “ Because hitting a pothole can put a big dent in your wallet, making necessary repairs right away could save you from more costly ones down what could be a very bumpy road.” — Source: Car Care Council
Metro Creative photo Tire balance is checked on a machine that will measure heavy spots. Technicians will apply weights to the tires to balance any inconsistencies in weight.
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Auto Connection • April 2016
Prevent bugs, sap and other substances from ruining a vehicle By METRO CREATIVE Keeping vehicles looking pristine req uires 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 may not be something to look forward to, but it is necessary to keep cars looking pristine.
Tree sap
According to Cars.com, an automotive information resource and vehicle sales website, although tree sap won’ t cause immediate damage to vehicle paint, it should not be ignored. O ver time, sap can become more difficult to remove, etch through the clear coat on the vehi-
cle and cause discoloration. When the temperature is hot, damage from sap can accelerate. O n windows and windshields, drivers may be able to gently remove dried sap with a raz or blade. However, use cleaning products on more delicate paint. Automotive stores sell speciality sap and tar cleaners. O therwise, you can try rubbing alcohol. It may take a few attempts to remove sap entirely.
Insects and bird droppings
Splattered bugs and avian surprises dropped from above can be a messy, unsightly nuisance. Their acidic composition also may cause them to damage paint over time. Bugs and droppings can be sticky, so you will need to work with something that will remove the splatter without removing the paint in the process. A product like WD-40 may help. This oily product is normally used on rust and hinges. When applied with a cloth and allowed to penetrate the stain, it can loosen difficult-to-remove sticky substances. Always test any product you use in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’ t damage or discolor your the paint. Insects or droppings that are fresh may
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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.
Tar
Soap and water will do little to remove tar and other petroleum-based products from vehicles. Commercial tar removal products use a strong solvent or deter-
gent to loosen the tar. This may include kerosene, mineral spirits or another item mixed with lubricants. G o slowly and use caution so that you remove the tar and not the paint. Drivers who are hesitant to clean their vehicles of common residue can have their cars or trucks professionally detailed, leaving the work in the hands of experts.
One Call Does It All! Jump Start • Fuel Delivery Lockout • Tire Changes Winch out • Light/Medium Duty Towing Flat Bed Towing • Auto Repair Mobile Mechanic • AAA provider Serving Mitchell And Surrounding Areas! 41965 SD Hwy 38 | Fulton, South Dakota
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