2020 RPM Auto Guide

AUTO GUIDE Your Guide To All Things Automotive

er b u b r ets e m d ro a r e h e w A Special Publication of The Daily Star, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020

A reminder about move-over laws 5 tips for picking out a car for your teen Emergency car kits: a checklist for winter Winter tires: 3 mistakes to avoid Pop quiz: are you a winter driving whiz?

RPM AUTO GUIDE

5 types of anti-theft devices for your car Vehicle security has evolved over the years. Unfortunately, so have strategies for stealing cars. It’s therefore important to keep your car’s anti-theft protection up to date. Here are some of the top security devices available.

1. Immobilizer Immobilizers prevent cars from getting hot-wired by enabling them to start only when the vehicle’s authorized key is within range. Immobilizers come standard with many but not all new cars. If your vehicle doesn’t have an immobilizer, it’s worth getting one installed. They’re effective and affordable.

2. Steering wheel lock Steering wheel locks aren’t entirely foolproof. However, it takes a pretty skilled and determined criminal to remove one. In addition, a steering wheel lock may act as a deterrent, since would-be thieves are likely to think twice if they see one in your car.

3. Car alarm Car alarms are meant to send thieves running. However, because they frequently go off accidentally,

bystanders tend to pay them little attention. That said, they do represent an extra layer of security and can deter would-be thieves in some cases.

4. Anti-theft marking Anti-theft marking involves etching a unique serial number into the various components of your car.

This makes it harder to sell your car’s components on the black market and easier to catch thieves who attempt to do so.

5. GPS tracker While it won’t prevent your car from getting stolen, a GPS tracker can allow you to locate it. However, some tech-savvy thieves have discovered ways to outsmart car trackers, especially older devices, so make sure to get a newer, high-quality product.

Some other anti-theft devices are tire clamps, brake locks and key fob bags (which prevent signal hacking).

To reduce the likelihood of your car getting stolen, your best bet is to use a combination of top anti-theft devices.

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OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020 | THE DAILY STAR

A reminder about

MOVE-OVER LAWS

Did you know that drivers in almost every state are required by law to slow down and, if possible, move over as they approach a vehicle stopped on the side of the road?

Here’s what you should know about move-over laws.

A matter of safety Across the country, move-over laws are in place to help protect roadside workers and the people they assist.

This includes first responders and tow truck operators. Depending on the state, the law might also apply to road maintenance, public utility, wildlife protection and government vehicles.

Best practices As soon as you spot a vehicle stopped on the side of the road, slow down. The degree to which you must

decrease your speed depends on the state you’re in and the posted speed limit. As a general rule, you should slow down to a speed that’s reasonably safe given the road conditions.

Additionally, most move-over laws require that you vacate the lane closest to the stationary vehicle if you can complete the maneuver safely. If you can’t change lanes without risking a collision, proceed with caution and be prepared to stop. If the stationary vehicle is in your lane, give the right of way to oncoming traffic and wait until it’s safe to move into the adjacent lane.

Keep in mind that these laws apply on highways, city streets and country roads. Motorists who fail to abide by the law may face fines and other penalties.

THE DAILY STAR | OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020

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Winter tune-up checklist

How to

safely brake in winter In icy driving conditions, braking suddenly can end in disaster. This is why you should always strive to come to a gradual stop in winter. However, in some cases, you may have no choice but to hit the brakes. Here’s how to come to a quick and safe stop on an icy road.

With anti-lock brakes Almost all newer cars have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). When engaged, the ABS automatically pumps the brakes and prevents them from locking up. Pumping the brakes is the best way to bring a car to a stop when sliding on ice. To engage the ABS, firmly press down on the brake pedal and don’t let up

until your car has come to a stop.

Without anti-lock brakes If your car isn’t equipped with an ABS, pressing down on the brake pedal is the last thing you want to do on ice, as this will cause the brakes to lock up and your car to skid. Instead, manually pump the brakes by applying and releasing moderate pressure at a steady rate.

The best way to become comfortable using these braking techniques is to take a winter driving course. Sign up for one in your area if you want to learn how to be safer on the roads.

This winter, consider asking your mechanic to provide a complete tuneup. This will help ensure that your car runs smoothly all season long. Though your specific car’s servicing needs will depend on its model, features and age, mechanics generally inspect the follo­wing components during a tune-up: • Windshield wipers • Battery • Spark plugs • Belts • Steering and suspension

• Filters • Brakes • Engine • Fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.)

• Headlights and brake lights • Exhaust system • Heating system • Electrical system • Thermostat As garages are usually busy in the winter, don’t delay in making an appointment for your car’s tune-up.

RPM AUTO GUIDE Are you buying your teenager their first car? If so, here are five tips for choosing the right vehicle for your teen.

1. Focus on safety features Even if you choose an inexpensive car, safety features aren’t something you want to skimp on. Features such as anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are a must. More advanced safety features like blind spot warning systems, backup cameras and lane departure warnings are good to have.

2. Size it up While small cars tend to be more affordable, they also offer less crash protection due to their size and weight. Sturdier vehicles such as mid- and full-sized passenger cars and mid-sized SUVs are a safer bet. However, don’t go too big: large SUVs and trucks have the highest rollover rate.

5 tips for picking out a car for your teen

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Plus, they can be expensive to drive as they consume more gas.

3. No sports cars Driving a sporty car may give your teenager the urge to speed and drive recklessly. A car with less horsepower is a better choice.

4. Look at the safety ratings Consult the IIHS crashworthiness ratings to find out which cars will best protect your teenager in the event of a collision.

5. Opt for connectivity It’s hard to keep teens off their phones. To help prevent your teenager from texting while driving, consider getting a car with smartphone connectivity.

Regardless of which type of car you buy your teen, be sure to impress on them the importance of safe driving before you hand over the keys.

THE DAILY STAR | OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020

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Car care: 6 key fluids to check before winter The fluids in your car help ensure that its various components, the engine included, can operate at their peak.

Before winter arrives, it’s essential to ensure they’re topped up. Here are six fluids you need to check.

1. Motor oil Motor oil lubricates and cleans the engine, thereby reducing friction between its moving parts. Wait about 15 minutes after turning your car off to check the oil level. When refilling the oil, gradually add small quantities until the maximum level has been reached.

2. Brake fluid This hydraulic fluid is crucial to the functioning of your car’s brake system.

When the brake fluid is running low, the brake warning light on your dashboard (an exclamation point inside a circle) should light up. The brake fluid reservoir is located at the rear of the engine compartment on the driver’s side.

3. Transmission fluid Transmission fluid lubricates moving parts, facilitates gear shifts and cools the transmission. To check how much of this fluid your car has, start the engine and inspect the transmission dipstick, typically located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. In some manual transmission cars, the dipstick is difficult to access and the task of checking the transmission is best left to a professional.

4. Coolant Coolant is responsible for heat transfer in the engine and prevents damage caused by boiling or freezing. The coolant reservoir is transparent and found near the radiator. It should never be opened while the radiator is still hot.

It’s recommended that you check the reservoir for leaks every few weeks and change the coolant according to your car manufacturer’s recommendations.

5. Gear oil Also called differential fluid, gear oil lubricates the gears that transfer power from the driveshaft to the wheel axles.

Get your gear oil level checked by a mechanic before winter.

6. Power steering fluid Power steering fluid is essential to the functioning of the power steering system in vehicles with this feature. Power steering fluid needs to be changed about every four years or when the liquid has turned light brown. The reservoir is located in the engine compartment and marked with a steering wheel symbol.

In addition, make sure to keep an eye on your windshield washer fluid level.

Winter road conditions can quickly cause a mess and being able to see clearly will keep you, your passengers and other road users safe.

5 accessories for warm winter driving If you’re tired of sitting in a chilly car, treat yourself to greater comfort this winter. Here are five accessories that will help keep you warm.

1. Remote car starter Nobody likes getting into a cold car. With a remote car starter, you can safely turn on your car a couple of minu­tes before leaving so that it’s nice and toasty when you climb in.

2. Heated car seat covers Heated car seat covers are simple to install and can make winter driving much more pleasant, especially if you have leather or vinyl seats.

3. Heated steering wheel cover

able layer bet­ween your hands and the wheel. Plus, heated steering wheel covers come in a variety of styles.

4. Leather gloves A good pair of driving

People who don’t like wearing gloves while driving can opt for a heated steering wheel cover instead. This accessory puts a warm, breath-

gloves not only keeps your hands warm but also offers protection, flexibility and grip. Look for quality leather driving gloves with a polyester, wool or cashmere lining.

5. Windshield de-icer With a windshield de-icer, you can spend less time out in the cold scraping your windshield. De-icer formulas are able to melt away frost, ice and snow in a matter of seconds, allowing you to make quick work of an other­ wise tedious chore.

Finally, make sure to be careful on the road. The last thing you want is to get stuck standing out in the cold waiting for a tow truck.

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OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020 | THE DAILY STAR

Emergency car kits: a checklist for winter It’s important to have a fully stocked kit in your car that allows you to safely deal with roadside emergencies. In winter, the key items in your emergency kit should include: • Water and non-perishable food (such as granola or energy bars) • Matches • A candle • Rags or paper towels (useful in the event of a leak or tire change) • Jumper cables • Tow rope • Flares or reflective safety triangles • Whistle (to signal your location in low-visibility conditions) • Traction aids • Snow broom, scraper and small shovel • Extra windshield washer fluid • Antifreeze • Wide-beam flashlight • Cell phone charger • Warm clothing for all passengers • One or more emergency blankets • A small toolbox (with a screwdriver, pliers, etc.)

• A knife (in case a seat belt gets stuck, for example) • A fire extinguisher designed to put out gasoline and oil fires • A first aid kit (with scissors, antiseptic swabs, gloves, bandages, etc.)

• An illustrated first aid manual In addition to having an emergency kit, it’s a good idea to sign up for roadside assistance. This way, you’ll be able to receive timely help in the event of an emergency.

5 dashboard warning lights and what they mean Dashboard warning lights turn on when there’s a problem with your car. If the light is red, the issue is urgent. If it’s yellow, the problem is less pressing but should be remedied as soon as possible. Here are five dashboard warning lights that drivers should be familiar with.

1. Engine temperature warning light This light indicates that the engine is too hot.

Overheating is usually caused by low coolant levels or a coolant leak. If this light comes on when you’re driving, pull over and turn off the car. If you have coolant on hand, add it to your vehicle once the engine cools. If you don’t have any coolant, you

may need to have your car towed.

2. Tire pressure warning light This light tells you that there isn’t enough air in one or more of your tires. Low tire pressure increases gas consumption and your risk of being in an accident. Pull into a gas station as soon as possible to put air in your tires.

3. Anti-lock brake warning light This light indicates that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) isn’t working properly. If it turns on, drive cautiously to avoid scenarios in which you’d need to rely on your ABS and make an appointment to have your brakes inspected as soon as possible.

4. Icy road warning light When the temperature dips below 37 F, roads get icy. This warning light gives you a heads up that you may need to adjust your driving due to icy road conditions.

5. Traction control light When this light flickers on, it’s to tell you that your tires are spinning. Ease up on the gas to recover traction.

Consult the user’s manual of your vehicle to learn the meaning of your other dashboard warning lights.

THE DAILY STAR | OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020

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5 interesting facts about speeding Speeding is one of the main causes of car accidents in the United States. Here are some facts on this subject that should cause drivers to think twice before exceeding the speed limit.

1. If you speed, you won’t arrive at your destination much faster. For example, cruising at 75 miles per hour in a 65-mile-per-hour zone for 50 miles only shaves off six minutes from your total driving time.

2. A car’s braking distance is nearly three times longer at 60 miles per hour than at 30 miles per hour. And if you’re driving a semitruck, it’s about twice as long as

that. For example, the braking distance of a semi going 60 miles per hour is about 100 feet.

3. In terms of force, a collision at 30 miles per hour is similar to a fall from four stories. A collision at 60 miles per hour is more like a fall from 14 stories.

4. The faster you drive, the more your brain is bombarded with visual information. This results in tunnel vision and a decrease in depth perception.

5. Studies suggest that if everyone drove just one mile per hour slower on urban streets, this would lead to a six percent decrease in traffic fatalities.

To sum up, there’s really no good reason to speed. Always respect speed limits and encourage those around you to do the same.

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OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020 | THE DAILY STAR

Star cars: 7 famous on-screen automobiles Many cars have made a name for themselves in film and television, including Lightning McQueen, the Batmobile, the General Lee and the Mystery Machine. Here are seven kinds of cars that became famous on the big screen.

1. The 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Since making his first appearance in the 1968 feature film The Love Bug, the sentient race car Herbie went on to star in several sequels and remakes,

garnering adoration from fans of all ages.

2. The 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance With lights flashing and sirens blaring, the Ectomobile, or Ecto-1, sped down New York City streets in search of paranormal activity in the original Ghost­busters films.

3. The DeLorean DMC-12 This pop culture icon is known for reaching

speeds of 88 miles an hour during its stint as the retrofitted time travel machine in the Back to the Future movie trilogy.

4. The 1976 Ford Gran Torino Nicknamed the Striped Tomato because of its bright red paint job, this car featured in the 1970s action-crime drama Starsky & Hutch and made its big-screen debut in 2004.

5. The Aston Martin DB5 This weaponized luxury vehicle is one of the most iconic cars in cinematic history, first driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in the 1964 film Goldfinger.

6. The 1993 Toyota Supra One of many vehicles featured in the Fast & Furious franchise, this flashy orange race car was driven

by Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) in the final showdown of the original 2001 film.

7. The 1968 Ford Mustang GT Bullitt star Steve McQueen gunned this green muscle car through the streets of San Francisco and sent it, tires screeching, into one of the most iconic car chase scenes in film history.

Of course, there are many other famous Hollywood cars including the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder fea­tured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and the 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT from the original Mad Max movie. All these ve­hicles have inspired car culture and continue to influence collectors of all ages.

THE DAILY STAR | OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020

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Safe driving tips for holiday partygoers Driving under the influence during the holidays is a common phenomenon, with drunk drivers causing more traffic deaths between Christmas and New Year’s Eve than at other times of the year. Here are some practices you should adopt to help ensure you and your passengers get around safely during the holidays.

Are you fit to drive?

First of all, make sure you don’t contribute to the problem of drunk driving yourself. Even small quantities of alcohol can impair your ability to drive. So if you’re the designated driver for the night, it’s best to avoid drinking altogether.

If you do plan to drink, do so responsibly. The one-drink-an-hour rule works for some people. However, a person’s level of intoxication will depend on various factors such as their weight and the type of alcohol being consumed.

If there’s any indication that your ability to drive is impaired, don’t get behind the wheel. Always have a back-up plan, whether it’s calling a cab, sleeping over or getting a ride from a friend or family member.

Drive defensively Driving defensively is always a good practice, but it’s an especially wise approach when driving at night during the holiday season. In particular: • Be attentive. Always be prepared to take preventive action to avoid an accident. Sit up straight, keep both hands on the wheel and be aware of your surroundings.

• Be careful at intersections. Watch out for drivers running red lights: even if you have priority, look both ways.

• Take your safety into your own hands. You can’t al­ways count on other drivers to be safe on the road. Stay out of other cars’ blind spots and maintain a safe following distance.

Finally, never get into a car with someone who you suspect has had too much to drink. Call a cab or UBER and encourage them to do the same.

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OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020 | THE DAILY STAR

Winter tires: 3 mistakes to avoid If there’s snow and ice on the roads, winter tires will help keep you safe while driving in these conditions.

Here are three mistakes people are prone to making when it comes to installing them.

1. Waiting to put them on Summer tires and all-season tires stiffen up when the temperature dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, thereby reducing their ability to grip the road. Winter tires, on the other hand, remain supple, providing optimal traction in cold weather.

For this reason, it’s best to consider the temperature when deciding on what date to install your winter tires.

2. Skipping the inspection To do their job properly, winter tires have to be in good condition. Before putting yours on, make sure they have no cracks and a tread depth of at least 6/32 inches. Consider getting a tread depth

gauge to measure this precisely. If the tread depth is close to the recommended limit, it’s best to get new tires as worn out ones won’t be able to guarantee your safety for the whole season.

3. Choosing the wrong ones Are you shopping for a new set of winter tires? If so, be aware that certain tires perform best on snow while others do better on ice. It’s important to take into account the road conditions you encounter most frequently. Also consider your individual driving habits.

Though winter tires can improve traction when it’s cold out, they should be removed once the temperature rises above 45 degrees Fahrenheit for longer than a week. Winter tires wear out faster on warm, dry pavement and don’t perform as well as all-season and summer tires in these road conditions.

Pros and cons of studded tires Driving on icy roads is hazardous, even if your car is equipped with winter tires. For extra traction in winter driving conditions, some drivers use studded tires. Here’s what you should know about them.

What are studded tires?

Studded tires have small metal studs that protrude a fraction of an inch from the tire. The studs claw into frozen precipitation on roadways, thereby improving traction.

How are tire studs installed?

Tire studs can only be installed on “studdable” tires. These are tires with stud holes into which studs can be either screwed or snapped, depending on the tire model. In most cases, the studs need to be snapped into place with a stud gun.

Most tire shops are able to perform stud installations.

Note that stud sizes vary, and you’ll need to select the correct stud size for your tire model.

What are the advantages to tire studs?

Studded tires increase your car’s traction on icy roads. When drivers accelerate, brake or turn on ice or hard-packed snow, the studs work in conjunction with the winter tire tread to improve the car’s handling.

There are, however, a few drawbacks to studded tires. For one thing, when the road isn’t icy or snowy the studs will decrease traction, as the tire tread won’t adhere to the road as well. In addition, they can produce additional road noise and take a toll on paved roads, as studded tires wear down pavement at a higher rate than normal winter tires.

If you plan to use studded tires, make sure you get the studs removed when spring arrives. In fact, in most states, there’s a specific time frame (usually encompassing five to seven months) during which the use of studded tires is permitted. Also note that there are some states, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, where the use of studded tires is prohibited.

THE DAILY STAR | OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020

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Pop quiz:

are you a winter driving whiz?

Winter driving can be hazardous, but being well informed can help keep you safe. Here’s a lighthearted quiz that will point you toward the information you need.

1. How often should you change your windshield wipers?

A) Every full moon B) Annually, in the fall C) Once per century

3. How often should you wash your car in winter?

A) About once a month B) Never: the snow will clean it C) As often as your neighbor does 4. What should you do if your lock freezes?

A) Force your key to turn the lock and pray that it doesn’t break B) Blow on the key to heat it up C) Use a lock de-icer (sold in automotive shops) or heat the key with a lighter 5. What emergency items should you equip your car with in winter?

A) A shovel, windshield washer fluid and warm clothing B) A blanket, pillow and sleep mask C) A bikini, sunscreen and flip-flops 6. What should you do if you find yourself behind a snow removal vehicle?

A) Put the pedal to the metal and weave around it B) Be patient: the road conditions are sure to be better behind the vehicle anyway C) Wildly honk your horn to show your annoyance 7. What should you do if the back of your vehicle starts to skid on ice?

A) Slam the brakes and scream like a banshee B) Let go of the wheel and close your eyes so you don’t see what happens next C) Slowly turn the front wheels in the direction of the rear wheels while looking where you want to go Congratulations — chances are pretty good you aced it!

Answers 1-B, 2-A, 3-A, 4-C, 5-A, 6-B, 7-C

2. When should winter tires be installed?

A) Once the outside temperature drops to 45 degrees Fahrenheit B) Once the birds begin their migration C) At sunset on a Tuesday

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OCT. 28, 29 AND 30, 2020 | RPM AUTO GUIDE - THE DAILY STAR