RPM - Auto Guide 2021 by The Daily Star

How to be a courteous driver 3 tips for sharing the road with snowplows What are certified preowned vehicles? Backup cameras 101

A Special Publication of The Daily Star, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021

AUTO GUIDE Your Guide To All Things Automotive

OCT. 20 AND 22, 2021 | THE DAILY STAR

RPM AUTO GUIDE

How to be a courteous driver NT – If you want to be a courteous driver who respects other road users, you should avoid making these risky, and sometimes illegal, maneuvers: 1. Tailgating 2. Cutting off other vehicles 3. Not using your turn signals 4. Zigzagging in traffic 5. Driving too fast 6. Not yielding the right of way 7. Honking repeatedly without reason 8. Stopping on the pedestrian crosswalk at an intersection 9. Making vulgar hand gestures or shouting insults

In addition, you should steer clear of driving too close to cyclists and pedestrians, passing them without slowing down and not giving them the right of way. You should also avoid going through puddles at full speed when driving past them. Furthermore, it’s useful to keep in mind that not all irritating or dangerous maneuvers performed by other motorists are done deliberately. It’s essential to stay calm if another driver makes a mistake. Likewise, if you make a blunder, issuing an apologetic hand gesture can help diffuse the situation. Lastly, if someone helps you out when making a turn or changing lanes on a crowded street, remember to thank them with a wave. Courtesy is more than just not being rude.

4 apps that can make driving safer MCS – Technology has changed the world in ways too numerous to count. Many of those changes have made the world a safer place, but a growing dependence on smartphones, particularly when behind the wheel, continues to put the safety of drivers, their passengers, fellow motorists, and pedestrians in jeopardy. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that distracted driving was responsible for the deaths of more than 3,100 people in the United States in 2019. The threat of distracted driving is just as signifi-

cant beyond U.S. borders as well. That includes Canada, where estimates from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database indicate 21 percent of the country’s fatal collisions involved distracted drivers. Though smartphones are not the lone distraction drivers face, they do pose a significant threat. But smartphones also can help drivers be safer behind the wheel. The following are four apps that drivers can install on their smartphones that were designed to make modern driving safer. 1. SafeDrive: The SafeDrive app can

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block all the textual apps in a phone, removing a major threat to drivers’ ability to concentrate behind the wheel. Drivers who utilize SafeDrive can still make phone calls, but they won’t be able to receive or send messages. 2. LifeSaver: The LifeSaver app runs silently in the background and then wakes up and locks the phone when a driver begins driving. Parents of young drivers should know that the app’s “Family View” feature can enable them to track their children’s driving and even see when kids are behind the wheel so parents won’t contact them. The app also can alert loved ones when drivers arrive at their destination.

3. TextDrive: This app sends auto response messages to people who try to call or text drivers while they’re behind the wheel. Drivers can reply to messages using voice commands as well. 4. DriveWell: Drivers who want some insight into their driving habits should consider the DriveWell app. The app is designed to provide drivers with feedback about their driving habits. Drivers can access trip summaries, details on their maneuvers and even track their speeds. Drivers interested in utilizing technology to become safer drivers can try various apps designed to reduce driver distractions.

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THE DAILY STAR | OCT. 20 AND 22, 2021

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3 tips for sharing the road with snowplows

NT – After a period of heavy snowfall, you’ll likely see snowplows out on the streets in full force. To stay safe, it’s important to be patient and give these vehicles enough space to do their work. Here are three tips for sharing the road with snowplows. 1. Keep your distance Snowplows have a lot of blind spots, which can make it difficult for the driver to clearly see other road users. Make sure you’re visible by giving the snowplow enough room on all sides. 2. Avoid passing Although you have every legal right to pass a snowplow, it can be a risky maneuver. It’s safer to just be patient and stay the course. When trying to overtake a snowplow, you risk being momentarily blinded by a gust of snow, which could cause you to veer off the road.

Besides, the freshly cleared road behind the snowplow is likely a lot nicer to drive on than the road in front. 3. Adjust your speed Do you get frustrated when you’re stuck behind a slow-moving snowplow? Try to keep your cool and remember that it’s essential for the plow to maintain a moderate speed to effectively do its job. Similarly, when two or three snowplows are spanning the road, it’s not to annoy you or prevent you from passing. It’s actually to avoid creating dangerous windrows in the middle of the road. It’s in your best interest to let these vehicles do their job. In addition, remember to always pay attention when you’re sharing the road with snowplows, and be sure to avoid cell phone use and other distractions. Drive safe this winter!

4 driving hazards to watch out for in winter NT – Winter driving poses many unique challenges. Here are four hazards to be aware of when getting behind the wheel in winter. 1. Reduced visibility Between blowing snow and glare from the sun, your visibility can be dramatically reduced in the winter. Consequently, make sure your windshield is defrosted and clean, wipe down your headlights and sweep any accumulated snow off your car before hitting the road. 2. Poor traction Wet, icy and snow-covered roads can si gnificantly reduce your traction. Therefore, it’s important to invest in a high-quality set of winter tires to help you maintain control of your vehicle. If your car starts to slip, slow down, avoid braking hard and steer smoothly. 3. Speeding

Driving slowly during the winter is crucial, as it’s much harder to control your vehicle on ice- and snow-covered roads if you’re moving too fast. No matter what the posted speed limit, adjust your speed to suit the conditions. 4. Distracted driving Winter roads leave little margin for error, and distracted driving can affect your judgment, ability to concentrate and reaction time. Make sure you stay focused on the road at all times, and watch out for other motorists who may not be paying attention. Taking these precautions can help you stay safe and avoid getting into an accident. However, before the first snowfall, make sure to also restock your car’s emergency kit, just in case.

Driving mistakes to avoid in winter NT – At times, driving conditions in winter can be treacherous. Consequently, it’s important to always remain vigilant when you’re behind the wheel. In addition, try to avoid making these four dangerous blunders. 1. Using cruise control The cruise control function on your car and slippery roads don’t mix. In fact, instead of slowing down your vehicle if it loses traction, this feature will accelerate your car to ensure it maintains a constant speed. This is a recipe for disaster, as you could easily lose control. 2. Running on empty If you park your car outdoors with a nearempty tank of gas, condensation could form in your tank and freeze. This could damage your car’s internal mechanisms. In addition, if you get stuck in a traffic jam or unexpected si tuation, you could easily find yourself stranded.

3. Changing lanes unnecessarily By changing lanes, you risk skidding on a patch of black ice or sinking into a snow drift. Overtaking another vehicle is especially dangerous on bridges and overpasses, as these freeze quickly due to their increased exposure to the elements. It’s best to simply stay in your lane when driving in severe weather conditions. 4. Relying solely on all-wheel drive Although vehicles with four-wheel drive generally react well in bad weather conditions, they don’t automatically keep you safe. It’s important to always remain vigilant when driving on winter roads. Avoiding these mistakes can help keep you and other road users safe. In addition, make sure you maintain a safe following distance and adjust your speed to suit the road conditions.

OCT. 20 AND 22, 2021 | THE DAILY STAR

RPM AUTO GUIDE Why is tire rotation so important?

When should you replace rotors and brake pads? MCS – The ability to accelerate and steer freely is vital to vehicle performance. Equally crucial is being able to stop the car to avoid collisions and obstacles. Brake pads and rotors are vital components of braking mechanisms that need to be maintained and serviced. Drivers may wonder how frequently they have to replace brake parts. Car and Driver magazine states brake pads are among the most crucial braking components. Brake pads create the friction that helps stop a car when they are pressed against the brake rotor, also known as the brake disc. It’s in drivers’ best interests to ensure that brake pads, as well as rotors, always function properly and are replaced before their effectiveness is compromised. Replacing brake pads Brake pads are made from different materials, but all will wear down over time, losing a portion of material every time the brakes are used. Eventually brake pads will not be able to generate enough friction to stop the vehicle quickly. Industry experts generally recommend brakes be replaced every 20,000 to 60,000 miles. Since that is a wide mileage range, drivers can listen for squealing noises or grinding sounds or feel for vibrations when deploying the brakes. Each of

those signs may indicate brakes need to be replaced. Replacing rotors Like brake pads, rotors also will wear out over time. Brake rotors must meet a certain thickness to be considered safe. If they are below that thickness, then they must be fully replaced. Some drivers opt to have their rotors resurfaced. This means removing any grooves, hotspots or anomalies on the rotors that can cause uneven wear of the brake pads. However, if the rotors are too thin, they cannot be resurfaced, as this removes some additional rotor material. Rotors can only be resurfaced once before replacement. Some vehicles have rotors that cannot be resurfaced at all. Rotors can go thousands of miles before they need to be replaced, but vibrations while braking and squeaking noises are usually indicative that rotors need to be checked and/or replaced. Even though brake pads and rotors may wear out at different intervals, many automotive professionals advise replacing rotors when brake pads are changed for optimal performance and safety. Brakes are an essential safety component. Work with a qualified mechanic to have brake pads and rotors serviced before wear and tear adversely affects driver safety and vehicle performance.

MCS – Vehicle owners need to keep maintenance on the mind to ensure their cars and trucks are operating at peak capacity. Various components should be checked and serviced at key intervals. Oil changes and fluid top-offs are part of routine maintenance, but it can be easy to forget about other important parts of the vehicle, including tires. Rotating tires is vital to their upkeep. Bridgestone Tires advises that tire rotation involves routinely repositioning a vehicle’s tires in specific patterns from front to back and side to side. According to Big O Tires, the front tires tend to wear on the outside edges because the tire leans over when a driver turns a corner. The rear tires just follow the front ones, so they usually wear more evenly. By leaving tires in place, the outside edges on the front tires will wear down much faster than the rest and those tires will need to be replaced sooner. Rotation may be required by tire warranties. Rotation also keeps the tires working properly. Experts generally advise tire rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, even if they do not show any signs of wear. It is challenging to determine if weather treads are uneven or how much wear has been sustained just by looking at them. Rotating tires can prolong the life of tires

and decrease how frequently they need to be replaced. Rotating tires keeps the tread depth uniform and helps maintain traction and consistent handling across all four tires. Bridgestone says the tire rotation pattern that is best for a particular vehicle depends on the type of tire being used. Patterns are recommended by the standardizing body of the tire industry, called The Tire and Rim Association, Inc. Individuals can consult with professional mechanics about the proper way to rotate tires. Many tire manufacturers or automotive stores that have sold customers tires also will do tire rotations – some free of charge. In addition to proper traction, minimizing uneven tire treads causes the vehicle to be more balanced, advises Wrench, a mobile auto repair and maintenance company. This enables the driver to have more control even when roads are slippery. Many auto service centers will then align and balance tires after they have been rotated. At this time the mechanic will likely check brakes as well, since it is easy to see and reach them when the tires are off. Tire rotation is an important component of vehicle maintenance. Check with a qualified automotive professional to see if it’s time to have your vehicle’s tires rotated.

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RPM AUTO GUIDE What to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident MCS – Car accidents happen every day. Though the World Health Organization reports that approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes, many more people walk away from such accidents relatively unscathed. In such instances, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of an accident can help drivers and passengers stay safe and start on their road to physical and financial recovery. No two car accidents are the same, but the Insurance Information Institute recommends anyone involved in a car accident take the following steps to make the most informed decisions in what is often a difficult situation. • Assess your physical condition. The III recommends people involved in accidents check themselves for injuries in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Call 911 if you are hurt. If you’re seriously injured, try to remain still and only move with the assistance of emergency response personnel. • Assess passengers’ physical condition. Drivers who are not too hurt to move can check on their passengers after assessing their own condition. Before moving a passenger who is injured, speak with an emergency response professional. This person can assess the situation and determine if it’s safe to move an injured passenger or if it’s best to wait

for first responders to arrive on the scene. • Get to a safe place. If possible, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. If it’s safe to move a vehicle and the vehicle is in a hazardous position, such as in the middle of the road, pull it to the side of the road. If the vehicle won’t start of you suspect it could be dangerous to move it, leave the car where it is and get yourself and any passengers who can move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. • Call 911. If you have not already done so, call 911 once you have gotten to a safe place. The III notes that no accident is too minor to involve the police, and some local laws even mandate that all traffic accidents be immediately reported. Be sure to fill out an accident report, which can be vital for drivers who intend to file claims with their insurance providers. • Turn the vehicle off. If the vehicle is still running, turn it off. Turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights and, if you can physically do so and it’s safe to do so, place road flares around the car to warn fellow motorists. • Exchange information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver once everyone has determined that they are not injured. The III recommends exchanging full names and contact information. Specific information like insurance companies and policy

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numbers, driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers, the exact location of the accident, and the type, color and model of the other driver’s vehicle also should be exchanged and noted. • Avoid discussing fault with the other driver. Drivers will not determine who’s at fault. Such decisions are made by insurance adjusters. Discussing fault with the other driver in the immediate aftermath of an accident can lead to difficult, potentially heated exchanges. • Document the accident. The III recommends motorists involved in accidents identify the responding police officers

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and ask them how to obtain copies of the official accident report. Take pictures and speak with any witnesses, jotting down their names and contact information if possible. • Notify your insurance provider. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. You can even do so from the scene of the accident if you’re capable of doing so. This can jump-start the claims process. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can calm drivers’ nerves and get them on the road to recovery that much sooner.

OCT. 20 AND 22, 2021 | THE DAILY STAR

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What are certified preowned vehicles? MCS – The days when buying a used car was akin to a game of chance are largely a relic of the past. Though it’s still possible that used car buyers could end up with a lemon, the preowned vehicle market has changed dramatically and for the better over the last couple of decades. One of the more notable changes surrounding used vehicles over the last 20 years is the rise of certified preowned cars and trucks, or CPOs. The COVID-19 pandemic affected sales of CPOs in 2020, but the vehicle transaction experts at Cox AutomotiveTM report that more than a quarter million CPOs were sold in May of 2019. First-time car buyers or those accustomed to purchasing new vehicles can learn more about CPOs before buying their next cars or trucks. Such knowledge may help them make the most informed decision possible before they sign on the dotted line and drive their next vehicle off the lot. What sets CPOs apart from other used cars? The auto industry data aggregator Black Book notes that CPOs tend to have low mileage and

clean accident histories. It’s possible, though unlikely, that vehicles that don’t meet such criteria could be designated as CPOs. Another significant difference between CPOs and more traditional used cars is that the former tend to be sold with extended manufacturers’ warranties. Certified preowned vehicle buyers also may be offered perks similar to those offered to new car buyers, such as free roadside assistance or complementary satellite radio service, for a predetermined period of time. While it may seem like a no brainer for used car buyers to purchase CPOs, the consumer advocacy experts at Consumer Reports suggest that the decision is more complicated. Analysts at CR have suggested that the biggest advantage to CPOs is their extended warranties, which can be expensive. Having a vehicle inspected by a private mechanic consumers trust prior to purchase may be a better way for budget-conscious car buyers to allocate their funds than purchasing a CPO simply because of its extended warranty. If the mechanic gives the vehicle a clean bill of health, consumers can then rest easy knowing they exercised their due diligence and did so without having to pay for a potentially costly extended warranty. Ultimately, the decision is up to buyers, who can conduct a cost analysis to determine just how much they might save (or not save) when purchasing a CPO or a noncertified used vehicle. Certified preowned vehicles are an option car buyers can consider prior to purchasing their next car or truck.

Backup cameras 101 NT – As of 2018, all new cars sold in North America must be equipped with a backup camera. If your car doesn’t already have one, you may want to consider purchasing an after-market model to help make your driving experience safer and more enjoyable. Benefits of backup cameras Backup cameras are especially helpful when reversing, parallel parking or backing out of a parking space. They expand your field of vision and give you an accurate view of any obstacles behind your car. Additionally, the wideangle camera drastically minimizes blind spots. Despite these advantages, you should still con duct a shoulder check and use your side and rear-view mirrors to check your surroundings. How backup cameras work Backup cameras use coloured lines to help you gauge the distance between your car and whatever’s behind it. These lines also give you a better idea of the width of your vehicle. It’s important to know what the different coloured lines on your specific backup camera indicate to ensure you’re using it properly. If you need advice on which backup camera is right for you, visit your local electronics retailer.

To improve visibility, regularly wipe off your backup camera, especially after driving through mud or slush.

THE DAILY STAR | OCT. 20 AND 22, 2021

RPM AUTO GUIDE How to help seniors adapt to automotive tech MCS – Modern automobiles are more technologically advanced than ever before. That tech isn’t just making driving more comfortable and convenient, but also more safe. In a recent analysis of motor vehicle accidents, researchers at the International Institute for Highway Safety found that vehicles with blind spot and lane

departure warning systems were involved in 11 percent fewer sideswipes and head-on crashes than cars that did not feature such systems. In addition, the IIHS estimates that the number of automobile crashes in the United States could be decreased by 85,000 each year if every vehicle were outfitted with a lane departure warning system. Driver assistance systems have made driving safer for millions of people across the globe, but one demographic may need some extra help adapting to modern vehicles, and may even need a little extra encouragement to utilize tech that can keep them safe behind the wheel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, in 2018, the United States was home to 45 million licensed drivers aged 65 and over. That marks a 60 percent increase since 2000. Though seniors’ perceived unwillingness or inability to utilize modern technology is often overstated, some aging drivers may need a little extra help as they try to learn how to use assistance technologies in their vehicles. • Learn the tech yourself. Assistance technologies are not all one and the same. Vehicle manufacturers have their own systems and there can be a learning curve when adapting to a new one. If you aspire to teach a senior how to utilize the assistance technologies in his or her vehicle, first learn the tech on your own. If both you and your aging friend or family member own a Subaru, chances are you already know how to use the tech in your loved one’s vehicle. If you drive

cars made by different manufacturers, visit the dealership where your loved one bought his or her car and ask for a quick tutorial on all the safety features in the vehicle. Salesman demonstrate these features every day, so it shouldn’t take long for them to show you the ropes. • Be patient. Each person adapts to a new technology at his or her own pace. It’s important to remain patient when teaching aging drivers how to use the tech in their vehicles. Old habits die hard, and while some drivers may quickly adapt to tech like backup cameras, others may not be so quick to abandon driving techniques they’ve been safely using for decades. Stay the course, remain patient and allow senior drivers to adapt at their own pace. • Teach one tech at a time. It can be overwhelming for drivers of all ages to adapt overnight to all the tech in their new vehicles. When teaching senior drivers how to utilize various driver assistance technologies, take it one tech at a time. When coupled with your patience, this approach can help seniors avoid being overwhelmed and increases the likelihood that they will embrace the tech in their vehicles. Many senior drivers utilize driver assistance technologies every day. A patient and methodical approach to showing seniors how their vehicles can help them stay safe behind the wheel can be a road map to helping seniors adapt to life in modern vehicles.

Vehicle maintenance tasks drivers don’t want to overlook MCS – Savvy drivers recognize that maintenance is essential to keeping their vehicles running strong for years on end. Such maintenance ensures vehicles are safe to take out on the road, and basic upkeep also protects drivers’ financial investments in their cars and trucks. Drivers who are not mechanically inclined tend to put their vehicles in the hands of a trusted mechanic to perform routine maintenance like oil changes. But there’s a host of simpler vehicle maintenance tasks that drivers don’t want to overlook, some of which can be performed without visiting the auto body shop. • Brake inspections: Brake inspections are best left to the professionals, who can check the thickness of brake pads and look for other indicators of ex-

cessive wear. The automotive resource Cars.com recommends having brakes inspected during routine tire rotations, which many automotive professionals suggest should be done every six months. • Car wash: Car washes might not be the first task drivers associate with vehicle maintenance, but they can prevent long-term damage to cars and trucks. Damage from bird droppings and road salt and ice melt products in the winter can damage a vehicle’s paint job and its undercarriage. Wash the car on your own at home or visit a professional car wash to perform this simple yet vital maintenance at regular intervals and whenever you notice significant buildup of dirt and grime on the car’s exterior. • Air filter: The air filter on a car or truck prevents debris, dirt and other

contaminants from getting into the engine. The auto insurance experts at Allstate® advise drivers to inspect their vehicle air filters once a year. Air filters in need of replacement may appear dirty, and reduced fuel economy, unusual engine sounds and reduced horsepower are some other potential indicators that an air filters needs to be replaced. • Windshield wipers: Windshield wiper blades are easily overlooked, but various automotive experts recommend replacing wiper blades every six to 12 months. Old wiper blades won’t perform at peak capacity, dramatically reducing visibility during heavy rain and snowstorms. Anyone can replace their own windshield wiper blades in a matter of minutes, and new blades won’t break the bank. Vehicle maintenance is not exclusive

to tending to what’s under the hood. Keeping a car running smoothly for years involves routine tasks that many drivers can perform without professional assistance.

OCT. 20 AND 22, 2021 | RPM AUTO GUIDE - THE DAILY STAR