Car Care - Fall 2013

Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

A Special Section of the Wallkill Valley Times • Mid Hudson Times • Southern Ulster Times • October 23, 2013

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Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Finding the right auto repair shop For many vehicle owners, finding the right auto repair shop is nearly as important as finding the right physician.

The average price of a new automobile continues to rise, and protecting that investment is of paramount importance to motorists hoping to extend the lives of their vehicles and maximize their investments.

Part of protecting your automobile investment is finding an auto body shop you can trust. A trustworthy mechanic whom you’re comfortable with can ease any concerns you have when taking the car in for maintenance, whether that maintenance is a routine tuneup or more extensive repairs. Though mechanics differ greatly, the road to finding one you can trust is largely the same no matter where you live.

• Get a recommendation. Aside from his skillset, a trustworthy mechanic’s best friend might just be his reputation. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers are invaluable assets for mechanics, and such recommendations should be equally valued by vehicle owners. When looking for a new auto repair shop, drivers should ask friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members if they can recommend any local shops. If anyone offers an especially glowing recommendation, take it to heart and consider that shop the next time your vehicle needs work.

• Don’t be afraid to get estimates. Drivers who tend to agonize the most over finding a new shop tend to be those

with little history taking vehicles in for repairs. This group is likely growing thanks to the escalating costs of new vehicles. Those costs are encouraging drivers to keep their vehicles longer, which means drivers are now keeping their vehicles even after the manufacturer warranty has expired and the dealership where the car had been serviced will no longer do so under the warranty agreement. In such instances, it might be less expensive to take the vehicle to a shop that’s not affiliated with a dealership.

But that can be a frightening prospect for those who have not done so in the past. To ease those concerns, drivers should obtain several estimates. The cheapest estimate won’t necessarily be the best fit for you and your vehicle, but multiple estimates should give you an idea of how much certain repairs should cost and who may or may not be overcharging you.

• Consider the shop’s location. Recent transplants to an area who might have relocated for a new job often want to familiarize themselves with their new home base as much as possible, and this can pay dividends when a vehicle needs repairs. The lay of the land also should be considered by those people who have lived in the same town their whole lives. Auto repair shops located in affluent neighborhoods may charge their customers more for labor than shops in middle-income locales. And those escalated labor costs might not be sinister. Instead, higher labor costs may be a reflection of the shop having higher

operation costs, such as rent, than its competitors on the other side of town. So when shopping for an affordable repair shop, motorists should consider the location of the shop and how that location might ultimately impact their bottom line.

• Ask as many questions as you need to. Some drivers, especially those who admit to having limited knowledge of cars, feel as if they must simply accept a mechanic’s assessment and estimates at face value. Though a good mechanic won’t try to mislead you, it’s still good to ask as many questions as possible before agreeing to let any work on your vehicle. When the mechanic diagnoses the problem, don’t be afraid to ask him to explain the problem, including what might have caused it. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask about service warranties, and be as specific as possible, asking what a warranty covers, how long work and/or parts are covered and if the warranty can be delivered in writing. These questions and their subsequent answers can provide you some peace of mind, and a reputable shop should have no problem answering as many questions as you can ask them.

Initially, finding a new auto repair shop can seem like a daunting task. But seeking the help of others and taking some additional steps can make the process go more smoothly and increase your chances of finding a mechanic you can trust.

Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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How to keep your garage work space safe Auto enthusiasts often find their garage is a sanctuary where they can go and think about their vehicles and little else. Similar to a carpenter’s workshop or a gardener’s backyard, a garage can be a place where auto enthusiasts unwind as they pursue their passions for automobiles.

But no garage is a true sanctuary if it is not safe, and the following are a few ways auto enthusiasts can ensure their work space is safe and sound.

• Keep an adequately stocked first aid kit on hand. An accessible first aid kit can be the difference between a minor injury or a significant health issue. Make sure the first aid kit is easily accessible, ideally on a low shelf that you can reach should you suffer an injury that limits your mobility.

Periodically restock your first aid kit with necessary supplies.

• Post the national Poison Control Hotline number in plain view. That number is 1-800-222-1222.

• Always bring your cell phone with you when working in your workshop. Though it might seem like a good idea to escape from life’s distractions and leave your cell phone inside when working on your vehi-

cle, that cell phone may be your only way to contact the outside world should you suffer an injury. You don’t have to answer the phone when it rings, but be sure to bring it with you as a safety precaution whenever you will be working alone in the garage.

• Install a functioning fire extinguisher in your garage, and learn how to use it. Be sure to periodically check the extinguisher’s expiration date and make sure it’s easily accessible.

• Keep hazardous materials out of the reach of children. Read the labels on products. Items whose labels include warnings and cautions or suggest products can be poisonous if or when they are ingested should be stored where kids cannot reach them. If necessary, store them in a cabinet that can be locked.

• Store gasoline in a locked outdoor shed or, if keeping it in the garage, make sure youngsters won’t be able to reach it.

Make sure the gasoline container is childproof and approved for gasoline storage.

• Wear chemical safety glasses when using hazardous solvents and cleaning products. Wear safety glasses with side

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shields when using power tools.

• Don’t allow children into your work space when you’re working on your vehicle.

• Wear tight clothing and take off all jewely. Loose clothing and dangling jewelry that can easily get caught in moving parts, greatly increasing your risk of injury.

• Unplug any power cords before trouble-shooting any problems with your power tools.

• When working with power tools, unplug them when taking a break from work and when leaving your work space, even if such breaks are only momentary.

Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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The top five driver distractions Distracted driving can be very dangerous. Diverting one’s attention from the road for mere seconds can have serious, and potentially fatal, consequences.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found distracted driving kills more than 15 people each day while injuring more than 1,200. Any activity that takes attention away from driving is considered a distraction. These include taking your hands off the wheel, daydreaming or engaging in any behavior that takes your eyes off of the road. Certain activities are known distractions, and understanding which habits can be dangerous and making strides to correct behaviors can help save lives, prevent injuries and reduce accident-related expenses.

A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute indicates 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of nearcrashes in the United States involve some form of driver distraction. This distraction took place a mere three seconds before the vehicle crash. An Allstate Canada marketing survey of 1,605 Canadian adults conducted between July 26 and July 28

important and needs to be addressed, it is much safer to pull over and take care of it before getting back on the road.

found that, although the vast majority of Canadians thinks driving while distracted is unacceptable, nearly three out of four Canadian drivers admits to engaging in a behavior that is considered a distraction.

That is perhaps in part because drivers are not aware just how distracting some the following behaviors truly are.

Daydreaming

Many people will admit to daydreaming behind the wheel or looking at a person or object outside of the car for too long.

Perhaps they’re checking out a house in a new neighborhood or thought they saw someone they knew on the street corner. It can be easy to veer into the direction your eyes are focused, causing an accident. In addition to trying to stay focused on the road, some drivers prefer the help of lane departure warning systems.

Using mobile phones

Leading the list of the top distractions behind the wheel are mobile phones.

Phones now do more than just place calls, and drivers often cannot pull away from their phones, even when driving.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, studies have shown that driving performance is lowered and the level of distraction is higher for drivers who are heavily engaged in cell phone conversations. The use of a hands-free device does not lower distraction levels.

The percentage of vehicle crashes and near-crashes attributed to dialing is nearly identical to the number associated with talking or listening.

Accident rates have increased thanks to texting, which involves a person taking

his or her hands and eyes off of the road.

A study by Car and Driver magazine compared the dangers of texting while driving to the effects of driving drunk to see which would be more dangerous under the same conditions. Measuring the time it takes to brake after being alerted by a red light to stop, the reaction time was recorded when the driver was legally drunk, reading an e-mail and sending a text. Texting easily elicited the slowest response time.

Ironically a Texas man Chance Bothe drove off of a cliff after texting that he had to stop texting or risk dying in a car accident. Bothe survived but sustained significant injuries and had to be revived from death three times.

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Whether there’s a pet bouncing in the front seat or children being boisterous in the back, passengers and items moving around the car are significant distractions.

Turning around to look at the kids or to reach for a ball that may be rolling around on the floor of the car can take a person’s eyes off the road. If something really is

Eating

Those who haven’t quite mastered walking and chewing gum at the same time may want to avoid eating while driving. The majority of foods require a person’s hands to be taken off of the wheel and their eyes to be diverted from the road. Reaching in the back seat to share some French fries with the kids is also distracting.

Try to eat meals before getting in the car. For those who must snack while en route, take a moment to pull over at a rest area and spend 10 minutes snacking there before resuming the trip.

Reading

Glancing at an advertisement, updating a Facebook status or reading a book are all activities that should be avoided when driving. Even pouring over a traffic map or consulting the digital display of a GPS system can be distracting.

When driving, attention should be placed on the task of safely getting from point A to point B. All other activities taking place in the vehicle are distractions that can end up risking a person’s life.

Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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Why a vehicle’s history report is important to you A vehicle history report can be a used car buyer’s best friend. Whereas in the past buyers bought used cars and hoped for the best, today’s used car buyers can rely on a vehicle history report to tell them all about the vehicle while helping buyers make more informed decisions.

When shopping for a preowned vehicle, you should always ask for a vehicle history report, regardless of whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private citizen. If the seller refuses, it’s time to look elsewhere. When a seller eagerly provides a vehicle history report, buyers should examine a few things on the report so they can be more comfortable should they ultimately purchase the vehicle.

All vehicle history reports list how many owners a vehicle has had in the past.

In general, the more owners a vehicle has had, the more risk you’re assuming as the buyer. Vehicles that tend to change hands often are less likely to have been well maintained.

In addition to how many owners a car has had, look at who those owners were. Vehicles that were once owned by a rental car company, for instance, were likely not treated very well, as few people care how much abuse their rental car

endures. However, a car once owned by a rental agency likely has lots of highway miles on it, and such driving is less taxing on a vehicle than city driving where the vehicle’s engine is stopping and starting more frequently.

Just because a seller provides you with a vehicle history report does not necessarily mean that report matches up with the vehicle you might be buying. A dishonest seller might try to pass off the history report of another vehicle of the same make and model as his own. This is done to hide a suspect vehicle history or even when thieves are selling a stolen car to an unsuspecting buyer. Check the vehicle identification number, or VIN, on the vehicle to ensure the car you’re looking at matches the car on the history report.

In addition, each vehicle history report describes the car, so if the description does not match you might be holding an inaccurate report.

The vehicle history report will show where the car has lived over the years.

Vehicles that have spent ample time in harsh weather, such as Alaska or another region with a prolonged winter, have likely had their share of weather-related wear and tear, more so than a car driven

in warmer climates. While this does not mean past owners didn’t properly maintain the car, some buyers might be wary of purchasing a vehicle that has endured too many harsh winters.

Does the physical appearance of the car match up with its history report?

Sometimes a vehicle owner does not report when a car has been in an accident. Owners might do this to avoid higher insurance premiums or to mask the vehicle’s history because they intend to sell the car down the road. If a car exhibits any signs of

body work that aren’t on its history report or if the car drives awkwardly but has supposedly not been in an accident, buyers should consider this a major red flag and strongly consider walking away from the vehicle and continuing their search elsewhere.

A vehicle history report can calm the fears of a buyer shopping for a preowned vehicle. But even when a report is made available, buyers should still examine the report closely to ensure the vehicle is all it’s cracked up to be.

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Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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According to the Federal Trade Commission, auto dealerships are not legally obligated to give preowned car buyers a threeday right to cancel their purchase. This means a sale is final once a preowned vehicle buyer signs all of the necessary documents. However, some dealerships do offer a return policy, though that offer will likely not be made unless the buyer inquires about it. When a dealer does provide the privilege of returning the vehicle in 72 hours, the policy may be referred to as a “money-back guarantee” or a “no questions asked return policy.” While many dealers are trustworthy and willing to work with their prospective customers, the FTC recommends all buyers contact their local consumer protection agency and state attorney general to determine if there are any unresolved complaints on file with regard to a particular auto dealer. This can help buyers find a reputable dealer and give the buyers some additional peace of mind, especially for those shopping for preowned vehicles that tend to carry more risk than a brand new car.

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Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Is a new car in the budget for your family?

Having a family, owning your own home and driving a new car is a common goal of many people. But at least one item on that list has now become much less affordable for the average person.

Now that many of the auto-buying incentives instituted to help reinvigorate the auto industry have expired, the average consumer is being priced out of a new vehicle.

According to data from TrueCar.com, the average automobile -- at a cost of $30,500 in 2012 -- is now more expensive than ever before.

Furthermore, information from a 2013 Car Affordability Study conducted by Interest.com said that most households across America cannot afford a car payment on a new vehicle.

In fact, it was determined that only residents of Washington, D.C., with an annual income of roughly $86,000, could afford the average sticker price of a new vehicle and the roughly $550 per month it would cost to finance that vehicle. When factoring in housing costs, insurance and the cost of food, only average citizens in San Francisco, Boston and

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The Interest.com research used certain qualifiers in determining the maximum amount the average family could pay for a new car. Researchers calculated 10 percent of the monthly, median gross household income for each metropolitan city and subtracted the average monthly insurance premium. The site also considered three key factors, often referred to as the “20/4/10�

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rule, which involves a down payment of at least 20 percent, auto financing lasting no longer than four years and principal, interest and insurance not exceeding 10 percent of a household’s gross income. Using that as a foundation, the study determined most households cannot afford the mean price of $30,000 for a new car and must look to other options, including previously owned vehicles or leasing a vehicle. Dealerships now offer warranties and certification on preowned vehicles that not only make them more affordable but also offer peace of mind to owners worried about buying a lemon. Furthermore, many preowned vehicles are lease turn-ins that are only three years old and have few miles on them thanks to mileage restrictions common to many leasing agreements.

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Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Shopping for a new insurance policy Many motorists consider auto insurance a necessary evil.

While drivers don’t want to be out on the road without insurance, many lament paying such a high price for security.

But automotive insurance need not be so expensive. In fact, many drivers on the road today could save a considerable amount of money if they took some time to explore their options. While it might be easier to simply stick with an existing policy, some simple comparison shopping might result in a much more affordable auto insurance bill. But before you begin shopping for a new policy, it may help to consider a few factors that might decipher just how affordable your next policy will be.

• Driving record: Drivers who recently received a ticket or another citation likely won’t find a more affordable auto insurance policy awaiting them. But if points on your license from a past speeding ticket or citation are about to disappear, then wait until they’re officially off your record before shopping for a new policy. The fewer points you have, the less you’re likely to pay for auto insurance. So be patient if points are about to vanish or be proactive and find yourself a better deal if points recently came off your record.

• Personal finances: Your individual credit score will influence how much you pay to insure your vehicle. If your credit rating is strong, then this should help you find a more affordable policy. But if your credit rating has recently faltered or you currently have a significant amount of debt, then work to improve your credit score and reduce your debt before shopping for a new policy.

• Ownership status: Many drivers lease or finance their vehicles. In such situations, the lending institution typically mandates drivers carry full coverage. Drivers who lease have no wiggle room on their policies, but those who are financing and are close to paying their vehicle off can likely lower their coverage considerably once they have paid for their vehicle in full. Once you are no longer making payments on the vehicle, you can, if you so choose, adjust your policy so you aren’t paying for full coverage. This should save you a considerable amount of money. But before adjusting the policy, shop around among insurance providers and see who gives you the best

deal. You might find the most affordable policy is offered by a different company from the one you are currently using.

• Location: Where you live also influences the cost of your auto insurance. If a move is in your not-too-distant future, you might find insurance is more affordable at your new location than your current one. Rural areas and the suburbs tend to have fewer drivers on the road than more densely populated urban locales, so insuring a vehicle in such areas is often more affordable than insuring a vehicle within city limits. If you will soon be leaving city life behind, then you might want to wait until you have moved to buy a new policy or to renegotiate an existing policy.

• Employment situation: While your employment situation won’t have too big an impact on the cost of your insurance, finding a new job that’s closer to home, which remains a goal for many professionals, may just lower the cost of your auto insurance. Insurance companies consider a host of factors when determining the cost of each auto insurance policy, and the distance between a driver’s home and his or her office is one of those factors. If you’re in the midst of a job hunt that you hope will end with a new job and a shorter daily commute, then you might want to wait before signing the dotted line on a new auto insurance policy.

• An adequate insurance policy gives motorists peace of mind as they traverse the nation’s roadways. Finding a more affordable policy is a goal for many motorists, who must consider several variables before they begin the search for a new policy.

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Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Avoid becoming a vehicle theft statistic Automobile theft is no laughing matter.

It leaves people without a means of transportation, costs the public more money in insurance payments and taxes and can give anyone the feeling of being personally violated. The FBI estimates that around one million motor vehicles are stolen in the United States each year. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says that a car is stolen every three and a half minutes in Canada, an estimate that translates to approximately 420 cars per day. Auto theft costs everyone millions of dollars -- and can even cost some their lives.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the chances of a car being stolen are now significantly less than they were in 1989. That could be due to vehicle theft prevention systems that now come standard on many new cars.

While not all vehicle thefts and break-ins can be prevented, there are many devices individuals can employ to help reduce the risk of vehicle theft.

• Immobilizing devices: There are several types of immobilizing devices available to protect a car from theft. An immobilizing system works by preventing thieves from bypassing your ignition switch and

hot-wiring your car. An immobilization device can involve a kill switch that needs to be turned on before the car will start and can be cleverly hidden. Most cars also come with specially encoded smart keys

that are required to start the car. The key is unique to the make, model and VIN number of the car.

• Car alarms: Car alarms work as a deterrent to theft, but they do not always prevent theft. The alarm sounds when the vehicle is tampered with or the door is opened, but many people have become desensitized to car alarms because of the frequency of “false alarms” from car owners setting the alarms off themselves.

Therefore, they may no longer be as effective as they once were. In addition, many thieves can disarm an alarm in a matter of seconds.

• Hood and tire locks: Locks that are installed on different parts of the car or truck can also deter thieves. A hood lock stops a potential thief from getting under the hood and gaining access to the engine and wiring. Tire locks are special devices that require a unique tool to remove the tire. This can help prevent tire theft and may give thieves pause as to what other anti-theft devices are on the car.

• Tracking devices: There are devices, like Lojack, that are designed to pinpoint the position of a car. It uses FM radio frequencies to help police recover the car.

Some people also purchase after-market GPS devices that will show their vehicle’s location on a computer or smartphone.

• OnStar: This system was originally designed to be a crash-notification system, but it now offers other helpful services.

Individuals can use OnStar for directions, to unlock their vehicles and now to slow down their cars and trucks if they have been stolen. OnStar comes pre-installed on many General Motors cars.

There are other steps to take to prevent vehicle thefts and break-ins.

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Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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Things to know about motor oil When it comes to taking care of their vehicles, many motorists prefer to be overly cautious. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, there are times when being too cautious can unnecessarily cost you money.

Motor oil, and when to change that oil, has long been a point of contention. Many drivers grew up being told that motor oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.

However, that myth has been debunked for many of today’s vehicles, which should

come with suggested intervals between oil changes. According to Edmunds.com, in 2010 the average interval for oil changes was 7,800 miles. In addition to changing a car’s motor oil less frequently, there are other things drivers should know about motor oil.

Oil does not necessarily need to be changed before a long trip. Taking a trip?

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do not need to preemptively change your oil. Such a change is likely unnecessary and will not improve the performance of your vehicle during the trip.

Black oil does not necessitate a change. Conventional wisdom once suggested if the oil on the dipstick is black then it needs to be changed. But nowadays automotive professionals are noting that black oil is doing its job and different additives might be changing the oil’s color, which means the oil doesn’t need to be changed.

You can use petroleumbased oil after using synthetic.

Another longstanding myth regarding motor oil was that once you use a synthetic motor oil instead of a petroleum-based oil you have to continue using synthetic oil, which is often more expensive than more traditional motor oil, in order to avoid harming the vehicle.

However, automotive professionals have noted that these two types of oils are now often blended, meaning switching back and forth from one to the other is not likely to cause any damage to your vehicle. Just

be sure to use motor oil that meets the standards set forth in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Consider an earlier oil change after buying a new vehicle. Sometimes a new vehicle will need an oil change after its first 3,000 miles. However, this does not mean your vehicle will need one every 3,000 miles. According to Blackstone Laboratories, who study motor oil, oil samples taken from engines during their initial 3,000 miles of driving had elevated metal levels from the camshafts and pistons. These elevated levels will not necessarily be harmful, but some auto manufacturers recommend a shorter initial interval just to be safe. Honda, however, includes an anti-wear additive in their break-in oil and advises against changing their oil early.

Consult your owner’s manual to determine if it’s best to change your oil after the initial 3,000 miles or to let it go until the recommended interval.

Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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Simple ways to extend the life of your vehicle According to data from TrueCar.com, in 2012 the average new car cost $30,500.

That’s a considerable expense, especially at a time when fuel costs remain high and cost of living continues to rise.

Because new cars have become so expensive, more and more vehicle owners are looking for ways to extend the life of their vehicles. The longer a car can stay on the road, the better an investment that vehicle becomes. Fortunately, there are several steps vehicle owners can take that should ensure their vehicles stay on the road for years to come.

• Scale back on short trips. The toll cold starts take on a vehicle can add up over time. When a car is started, condensation builds up in the vehicle’s exhaust system.

On longer trips, that condensation will gradually evaporate. However, on short trips, that condensation often does not have enough time to evaporate, and over time too many short trips will lead to an accumulation of water in the muffler that can lead to rust and rust holes on the muffler. Short trips also can negatively affect gas mileage. When possible, leave your car at home on trips into town when you can just as easily walk or ride a bicycle. Over

time, reducing the amount of short trips you take in your car will greatly reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and improve your fuel efficiency as well.

• Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Adhering to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule serves many purposes, including improving the its durability and protecting various components, including its cooling system and drivetrain. While many manufacturers used to recommend changing a vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles, many of today’s newer automobiles need their

“We offer a clear and concise understanding of repairs being done to your vehicle.”

AUTO SERVICE, INC. William Franz, owner

Complete Car & Light Truck Service NYS Inspection Station

845-255-5575 117 N. Chestnut St. • New Paltz

oil changed less frequently. Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations regarding oil changes, and don’t forget to replace the oil filter when changing your vehicle’s oil.

• Pay attention to brake pads. Brake pads that are allowed to wear down can cause damage to the brakes’ rotors and calipers. That damage can prove costly and make things harder on your vehicle.

Keep an eye on your vehicle’s brake pads, which are far less expensive to replace than rotors and calipers, and do not allow them to wear down to metal.

• Keep your tires properly inflated.

Tires that are under-inflated will negatively impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

In addition, the tires’ life expectancy is reduced considerably when tires are not properly inflated. Routinely check your tire pressure, especially if you drive a lot, and keep tires inflated at the pressure recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

• Be mindful when filling up your tank.

Many people do not pay much attention to their surroundings when pulling into the filling station. But when you fill up can impact your car’s life expectancy. Perhaps

the worst time to fill your tank is when the fuel tanker is in the gas station refilling the underground tanks. That’s because the process of filling the underground tanks can stir up sediment that had settled at the bottom of those tanks. If that sediment finds its way into your vehicle’s gas tank, it can clog filters and fuel injectors and negatively affect the vehicle’s performance. So unless your car is running on empty, avoid refilling its gas tank when the tanker is still in the station.

• Take care of your vehicle’s interior, too. Caring for a car is not just about being good to what’s under the hood. Caring for the car’s interior will not necessarily impact its performance, but a well-kept interior will improve how you look at your vehicle and how much you enjoy driving it. The longer you enjoy driving your vehicle, the longer you are likely to keep it. Preserve the vehicle’s door and window seals; clean the dashboard, including the gauges, vacuum the floor mats; and wipe down the vehicle’s interior, whether it’s cloth or leather. Keeping up the appearance of the car’s interior will make the vehicle more enjoyable to drive and increase its value at resale.

Fall Car Care, Times Community Newspapers, Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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Gifts to rev an auto lovers’ engine Auto lovers tend to consider their cars their most prized possessions. While it may not be possible to buy the auto lover on your holiday shopping list a new car, there are many gifts that are sure to please those people who can’t get enough time behind the wheel or in the garage.

Global positioning system: Often referred to as a GPS, a global positioning system is a satellite-based navigation system providing location information no matter where drivers find themselves on their next road trips. If a GPS is within range of a GPS satellite, drivers will never again find themselves pulling over on the sides of roadways in an effort to find out just where they are. Though many new vehicles come with GPS, vehicle manufacturers tend to offer them as accessories and not standard features. So if your favorite driver is driving an older vehicle or did not splurge on a GPS when purchasing his latest ride, this gift is sure to please.

Car wash kit: Auto lovers not only love to get behind the wheel, but they also love to get behind the wheel of a good-looking automobile. A car wash kit, complete

with a wash and wax that repels water and protects a good polish, is an ideal gift for auto enthusiasts who like their vehicles to look as good as they drive.

Custom floor mats: Many auto enthusiasts consider their cars an extension of themselves, and a customized accessory, like a new set of floor mats, can add a personal

touch to drivers’ rides. If your loved one has a

special nickname for his or her vehicle, consider inscribing that nickname on a set of customized floor mats. Auto enthusiasts who have an equal passion for a certain sport may appreciate floor mats with the logo

of their favorite team.

Hands-free headset: Car lovers spend lots of time in their cars. Though such time might once have afforded auto enthusiasts an escape from the daily grind, nowadays the prevalence of smartphones has made it easier than ever for the outside world to find its way into vehicles. As a result, auto enthusiasts may appreciate a hands-free headset that allows them to take calls while driving without compromising their concentration on the road. Some hands-free devices even allow drivers to stream music from their smartphones directly to their car stereos, allowing drivers to hit the road while enjoying their favorite tunes.

Auto shows: Many auto-lovers keep an open eye for their next vehicle purchase.

Auto shows are often the best places to learn about new vehicles and what motorists can expect in the future, so why not give your favorite car guy or gal tickets to an upcoming auto show? He or she may find his or her next vehicle or simply enjoy walking around and seeing all the latest automotive industry upgrades and gadgets.

Mechanical failure - An inconvenience any time it occurs can be deadly in the winter. Preventive maintenance is a must. A well-maintained vehicle is more enjoyable to drive, will last longer, and usually commands a higher resale price.

Battery - The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment.

Engine Performance - Cold weather makes existing problems worse: replace dirty filters - air, fuel, PVC, etc.

Tires - Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts & nicks.

Oil - Change your oil & oil filter as specified in your owner’s manual.

Emergencies - carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight & a cell phone.

Cooling System - Flush & refill the cooling system as recommended.

Exhaust System - have it examined for leaks.