VMD_2011-3

VehicleMD MAX PROTECT YOUR ENGINE

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A Driver's Guide to Maintaining a Healthy Car

www.vehiclemd.com

TAILGATING FUN

Make Your Car the Star of the Tailgate Party

Go Long!

Tips to help you save at the fuel pump

Ready, Set, Hike

Squelch squeaks with the lubrication formation

Store Copy: Please Do Not Remove From Waiting Area Fall 2011

www.ecopoweroil.com

EDITOR'S NOTE

VehicleMD ®

Staff: Staff:

Steve Hurt, Publisher Garrett McKinnon, Editor Tammy Neal, Features Editor Sheila Beam, Advertising Director Misty Dolan, Production Director Eliseo Torres, Sales & Marketing Director Mai Lee, Circulation Manager Kara Bishop, Staff Writer/ Production Assistant Bethany Hurt, Staff Assistant Jessika Bailey, Office Assistant 4418 74th St. #66 Lubbock, TX 79424 800.331.3713 or 806.762.4824 Fax: 806.762.4023 Email: info@vehiclemd.com Published four times a year by SHREC Communications, Inc., 4418 74th St., Ste. 66, Lubbock, TX 79424-2336. Postage Paid at Shepherdsville, KY. Postmaster: Send address changes to VehicleMD, 4418 74th St., Ste. 66, Lubbock, TX 79424-2336. Editorial information: info@vehiclemd.com © Copyright VehicleMD 2011. Reproduction is allowed only with permission of the editor. Views expressed by columnists and guest writers do not imply VehicleMD endorsement. Every attempt is made to provide accurate and reliable information. VehicleMD will not assume liability for any products or services described or offered herein, nor can VehicleMD verify accuracy of advertising claims made herein. The purpose of VehicleMD is to educate automotive service customers about the maintenance services available to them.

Additional copies — Interested parties may purchase additional copies of VehicleMD, including bulk quantities. Email Mai Lee for more information: circulation@vehiclemd.com Advertisers — Advertising rates are available upon request. Please contact Eliseo Torres at etorres@vehiclemd.com for display advertising deadlines and other information.

Internet — Advertising rates are available upon request. Please contact Eliseo Torres at etorres@vehiclemd.com for information.

All correspondence and inquiries should be directed to our business offices: 4418 74th St., Ste. 66 Lubbock, TX 79424-2336 Phone: 800.331.3713 or 806.762.4824 Fax: 806.762.4023 Email: info@vehiclemd.com

Trick My Tailgate Football. It’s like a religion in Texas, as I’ve learned first-hand. Don’t get me wrong, I sat through plenty of football games in the Big Sky state (many in belowfreezing temperatures, I might add!), but Texans really love their football.

My family is no exception. This time of year, our TV is usually tuned in to a game Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday, Sunday and Monday night, but I can’t blame it all on my husband, even though he is a football addict (and rightly so; he did quarterback his high school team to a state championship). I love the game, too.

I’ve watched football in many different venues. I once watched a six-man high school game in a set of wooden bleachers that hadn’t seen a paintbrush in years, and I’ve also watched the Dallas Cowboys play from a suite in their billion-dollar stadium with big screens stretching from 20-yard-line to 20-yard-line. However, one of my favorite places to watch a football game is at a collegiate tailgate party.

The atmosphere of college football is unmatched by any sport I’ve found. It’s amazing to drive by my hometown stadium on game day and see thousands of fans dressed in team colors tailgating in the parking lot.

As you might have noticed, this issue is our Fall Tailgating Issue. Inside you’ll see the tailgate theme carried through the entire magazine. Be sure to check out some great tailgating finds in the Car-Rx section.

Can you believe the Party Box lets you bring everything a tricked-out tailgating rig might have with you in your SUV? Yep, the box contains everything you might need to watch the game: a flat-screen TV, surround sound, satellite system, DVD player and more! Once at your venue, open the back of the vehicle, take out the generator and mobile satellite system, unfold the front of the box and attach the legs. Connect everything, and that’s pretty much it. Your awesome tailgate is ready to go!

We also have advice on how to make your car the star of the tailgate party. One of the best tailgating events of the year might be your alma mater’s homecoming game, and, chances are, it’s quite a drive to get there. We have the checklist you need to make sure your car is in tip-top shape for the trip and looks like a champ once you’re there.

I know; tailgating isn’t just for football. For whatever activity you love, be it anything from football to fencing or rowing to roller hockey, we have the tips to trick your tailgate party! 

Fall 2011 Volume 3, No. 3 ISSN 1948-4674 About the cover: Special thanks to Melanie Pittman, owner of Freshly Pic’d Photography.

Tammy Neal editor@vehiclemd.com www.twitter.com/vehiclemd Find us on:

www.vehiclemd.com 3

VehicleMD

WHAT'S INSIDE: FALL 2011

®

12

K eep I t R unning F orever

10 Max Protection

Like an offensive lineman, synthetic oil offers plenty of protection to keep your car running smoothly.

12 Ready, Set, Hike

14

It’s the lubrication formation that helps defeat the squeaks, squeals and stickiness that may be plaguing your vehicle.

A sk P atty 14 Shine On, You Crazy Headlight

Properly illuminated headlights are essential to safety—especially in fall with the days becoming shorter.

22 Shocked

Your car’s suspension system isn’t just about comfort. It keeps you safe, too.

B e H ealthy I n T he S eat 24 The Fresh Scoop

Learn how a fresh cabin air filter can help you breathe easier in your car. Plus, find out how an A/C odor removal service helps eliminate unwanted interior smells.

T he B ack P age 26 Homonym Huddle

1...2...3...Break! Try your hand at matching the football team mascot with the car that shares its name.

K now Y our S tuff 16 Make Your Car the Star

Tips to get your car running smooth and looking great for your next tailgate party.

16

B e S afe

18 Topped Off

26

The at-a-glance guide to what your car’s fluids do and why they’re important.

S ip G as 20 Go Long!

Ten fuel-saving tips to help you drive farther on your next tank.

24

4 VehicleMD

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Company Name Automotive Oil Change Association AMSOIL, INC. Castrol Lucas Oil Products, Inc. QMI Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc. Sea Foam Sales Company Shell Oil Company — Pennzoil Shell Oil Company — Quaker State

Page No.

Phone No.

Website

7 800.331.0329 www.aoca.org 5 800.777.8491 www.amsoil.com 27 888.227.8765 www.castrol.com/us 15 800.342.2512 www.lucasoil.com __________ 23 800.255.8138 2 800.669.5740 www.ecopoweroil.com 13 800.536.4812 www.seafoamsales.com 28 800.237.8645 www.pennzoil.com 11 800.237.8645 www.quakerstate.com

www.amsoil.com

ASK THE DOC

answer auto experts

your questions

TO THE DOC4 I have a Dodge Dakota. I understand these vehicles are

THE DOC SAYS4If your car’s engine is in good condition, meaning it

THE DOC SAYS4You’re right in that your Dodge Dakota is notorious

However, if your car is consuming a bit of oil between oil changes, it might be worth it to switch to high-mileage motor oil. While high-mileage motor oil is usually formulated from conventional petroleum base oil, most high-mileage motor oil formulations have a specially blended additives package that can help to preserve and protect the seals inside your engine. Plus, as it is a little higher in viscosity than conventional or synthetic oil, it is less likely to squeeze between gaps between the piston rings and cylinders in your engine, where it could burn off during combustion.

notorious for having brake problems, which is why I’ve had to change pads twice already and rotors once. It seems to be at it again. It seems the caliper is not working properly. It pushes the pad against the rotor but doesn’t seem to release. Is this a problem with the caliper itself or the spindle that it mounts to, in your professional opinion?

Kurt Via email

for having brake problems. In fact, we’ve found at least one recall for brake problems on the Dakota (06V038000). It was for 2006 models and involved the control module that balanced front and rear braking forces, so if you’re driving that model that could be the culprit.

Though it’s impossible to know with any certainty what might be causing these persistent problems, a design flaw cannot be ruled out. I realize it’s expensive, but you might consider having the caliper replaced to see if that rectifies the problem. We have run across anecdotes from other Dakota owners who say that replacing the calipers rectified the braking problems.

Hope this helps.

TO THE DOC4 I have an engine with over 100,000 miles. I’ve read that

full synthetic oil is the best protection for an engine and that high mileage oil is best for engines over 75,000 miles because it helps condition seals. Which oil should I use for my engine?

Dan Via email

VehicleMD On Call Have a car question for the VehicleMD “doctor“?

Email it to: doctor@vehiclemd.com

has no visible leaks and doesn’t burn a quart of oil every month, and you truly want the ultimate in protection for it, then synthetic motor oil is the way to go.

Synthetic oil offers superior cold and hot temperature protection, and it is much less likely to “burn off ” and form sludge when it hits hot spots in the engine.

So the long and short of it, in the opinion of this “doc”, is to go with synthetic if your engine has been well maintained and is in sound condition, and go with higher-mileage motor oil if you are experiencing a bit of oil consumption between oil changes.

A Second Opinion4 Synthetic oil should be continued in vehicles that

require synthetic oil for service fill. Synthetics offer outstanding low-temperature flow, oxidation protection and deposit prevention and are an excellent choice for older or newer vehicles.

For vehicles that are showing minor oil seepage, a little more oil consumption, a little “blue smoke” at startup, slight performance reduction or increased engine noise, high mileage oils are often the best choice for vehicles that allow use of conventional oils. These are some of the issues that high mileage oils can address effectively.

Steven Balfe Technical Advisor, Shell Lubricants

The advice described above is for informational purposes only. It cannot and should not be used in lieu of an actual, physical inspection and diagnosis by a trained mechanic or automotive technician. The opinions and advice offered herein are not intended to diagnose automotive problems or component failures; they are simply intended to provide information on what could be transpiring. VehicleMD accepts no liability resulting from actions taken as a result of this advice.

Get more information at: www.vehiclemd.com 6 VehicleMD

Do you know where to find the MOST TRUSTED, RELIABLE fast lube centers in your town?

Just look for the logo

Being an AOCA member demonstrates: Ethics: AOCA members abide by a code of ethics.

Knowledge: AOCA members gain valuable resources for information, trends and tools that elevate their service above the competition.

Training: Expert training is available to AOCA members at all levels.

www.AOCA.org 800.331.0329 The 3,600 AOCA member fast lube and auto service providers in the United States and Canada are who you can trust.

AOCA members go the extra mile to make sure they are offering their customers the very best in products, service and technology. “Professional service at YOUR convenience.�

Environmentally Aware: Regulatory compliance, safety training and information and green initiatives guide AOCA members in being stewards of our environment.

Trust your vehicles with those that take stock in their industry, AOCA member centers.

To find an AOCA member near you, or for more about AOCA,www.aoca.org go to www.AOCA.org

Car R x

Fantastic Finds for You & Your Ride Wireless Key Finder

If you’re prone to losing your keys, this gadget’s for you! Attach one of the fobs to your keys, then when you press the corresponding pager button on the transmitter, it answers with an alarm from anywhere up to 60 feet away.

The wireless key finder works through floors, walls, drawers and even sofa cushions.

www.brookstone.com

Genie Fogging Freshener

Think of it as an anti-stink bomb. This interior odor eliminator helps give your vehicle a complete deodorizing treatment. The fog reaches every part of a car’s interior, penetrating into carpets, upholstery, headliners and hidden spaces. It safely and effectively neutralizes odor sources, so you can say goodbye to the three-day-old cheeseburger plus stinky gym sock smell.

www.cleanairauto.com

XM Snap

XM Snap is an easy to install, set up and use in any vehicle.

The satellite radio comes with everything you need to listen to XM in the car. Just plug it into a power outlet, connect the antenna and listen to XM through the existing vehicle radio. XM Snap delivers all the channels currently available on XM, including commercial-free music from every genre.

www.shop.xmradio.com

Tailgate Party Box

Need Roadside? Get Castrol

As you’re headed to your tailgate party, why not protect your car and its precious cargo by getting a Castrol premium oil change? When you do, you will receive complimentary roadside assistance coverage! Simply purchase a Castrol GTX High Mileage or Syntec Blend oil change, and you will receive complimentary roadside assistance coverage, with up to a 15-mile tow, for four months. Or purchase a Castrol Edge full synthetic oil change, and you will receive complimentary roadside assistance coverage, with up to a 25-mile tow, for six months.

888.CASTROL

8 VehicleMD

Who says you need a decked-out rig to host an awesome tailgate?

All you really need is the Party Box. The Party Box is the ultimate tailgating experience in a portable, self-contained unit. It is designed to fit in the back of an SUV, but is also able to sit on top of a table. It has everything you need to throw a great party including a flat screen TV, satellite system, surround sound system with DVD player and more. Plus, installation and operation is quick and easy.

www.imagimotive.com

Margaritaville Tailgating Grill

When you want to cook out at your next tailgate party, you can leave your big, clunky grill at home.

Instead, pick up a Margaritaville Tailgating Grill, a high-quality barbeque that allows the home grilling experience with convenience on the road. Simply lock the grill into a two-inch hitch receiver and drive away with it sitting on the back of your car or truck, just like a bike rack. The swing arm swivels out once you arrive at your location, and you can be grilling in less than three minutes.

www.margaritavillecargo.com

Wide Angle Interior Mirror

Looking into the backseat while driving, even for an instant, can be dangerous.

The Wide Angle Interior Mirror allows drivers to keep their eyes focused on their driving and still easily check on what’s going on in the backseat. The 360-degree turning and tilting mirror is ideal for people who continually need to keep an eye on a child or pet in the backseat.

www.bellautomotive.com

Sea Foam Motor Treatment

Over time, gas can leave behind gum and varnish deposits, which affects an engine’s performance. Sea Foam Motor Treatment actually dissolves these deposits, making an engine run more efficiently. It literally cleans anything touched by gasoline, motor oil, ethanol or diesel fuel. Additionally, Sea Foam stabilizes fuel for up to two years.

Family Car Stickers

You’ve probably seen them—the stick figures populating the rear windows of cars. You can get your own cute rear-window family, custom designed to your liking. The stickers are outdoor-rated vinyl, so they’ll last. You choose the figures, hairdos and accessories.

Plus, you can even add names, nicknames, a family name or a special saying. All the stickers arrive on one sheet for easy application and are individually cut so you can place them in any order.

www.seafoamsales.com

www.familystickers.com

NanoLite

NanoLite is the world’s smallest key light. It attaches to your key to help illuminate your lock. While other see-in-the-dark products like flashlights and keychain lights add extra bulk, the NanoLite is no bigger than a penny. Attach it to your key with the high-bond tape, and then simply press it to turn on the light, whenever you need it.

www.nanolite.net

www.vehiclemd.com 9

Run Forever With…

Synthetic Motor Oil

Max Protect

By Kara Bishop VehicleMD, Staff Writer

Synthetic Motor Oil: Like An Offensive Lineman for Your Car Fall is here, which means taking the kids back to school, going to football games, taking road trips to see said football games from time to time, and—after a summer spent on vacations and casual days—diving back into busy schedules.

A common variable for most of us, when we need to get somewhere, is driving. Our vehicles are important investments, because getting somewhere quickly and painlessly is vital to our determination of whether today will be a good day or a bad day.

And no matter how hard we try, there are days where we feel like we’ll never catch up.

Didn’t hear the alarm, so there’s no time to warm the car up before driving. That cold start, which causes the engine to experience severe friction for several minutes, will just have to do. When the light finally turns green—because when you’re late, every light seems to be red—we stomp on the accelerator; not because we are wanting to purposefully harm our engines—we’re just running late!

filled with synthetic motor oil. New technology and stricter fuel economy regulations have created a need for synthetic motor oil and manufacturers are heavily recommending it, Hsu said.

Want to switch from conventional to synthetic? Not a problem, because synthetic and conventional motor oils are completely interchangeable, Hsu said. In fact, many motor oils offered today are known as synthetic blends.

However, just because it says “synthetic” on the bottle doesn’t mean the motor oil will perform the way it says it will. What the oil does after 1,000 miles may be different from what it has promised to do on the bottle, Hsu said. Ask your auto service technician what quality synthetic oil they recommend, as well as, what’s best for your particular vehicle.

Another important aspect to remember when thinking about using synthetic oil is the additive package.

“Synthetic is not a cure-all. Any motor oil needs to come with a good “When motor oil is exposed to heat and oxygen, it starts to ‘cook’ or additive package, too,” Hsu said.

The foundation for synthetic oxidize. Synthetic motor oil retards this ‘cooking’ process, because it motor oil is good, but in order to doesn’t break down as easy—making your oil last longer, which is why make it distinctly different from it’s a top-tiered product.” conventional motor oil, there has to Jeff Hsu, Quaker State be enough high-quality additives to fully differentiate the two products, Wouldn’t it be great if there was a product to ‘cook’ or oxidize. Synthetic motor oil retards Hsu said. out there that could allow us to be hard on this ‘cooking’ process, because it doesn’t break So, next time you get your oil changed, our vehicles without feeling guilty or paying down as easy—making your oil last longer, consider using high-quality synthetic motor hundreds of dollars in repairs, something that which is why it’s a top-tiered product.” oil, because of its excellent protective abilities could almost work like an offensive lineman, Not only do severe driving conditions reto protect in hot and cold temps, and prevent protecting our engine from heat, cold and all quire better quality motor oil, but many vehicle oxidation stability. Synthetic motor oil really is the abuse we heap on it? manufacturers are now having their cars factory like an offensive lineman for your car’s engine. 

10 VehicleMD

Well keep your seatbelt on because such a product does, in fact, exist: synthetic motor oil. Have to make that cold start? No problem—synthetic motor oil has inherent low-temperature flow properties that allows the oil to flow and pump at extremely low temperatures. In other words, it has less resistance to flow when it’s cold outside—and with fall here it soon will be.

But that’s not all. Jeff Hsu, technology manager for Quaker State, explains why synthetic is more beneficial in hotter temperatures—like those you create racing from stoplight to stoplight—as well.

“Synthetic motor oil has a higher resistance to oxidation than conventional oil. When motor oil is exposed to heat and oxygen, it starts

Durability gets you far. it did for adam.

Quaker State® Protection For 300,000 Miles.

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See quakerstate.com for full Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty and Quaker State Cash Back Bonus Program terms and conditions.

* Your vehicle must have 75,000 miles or less and been manufactured in the past 72 months of your first use of Quaker State® motor oil. To maintain warranty, you must change your oil with any Quaker State ® motor oil. Cash Back Bonus based on Kelley Blue Book® Trade-In / Good Condition value, up to a maximum of $3,000. See full Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty and Quaker State Cash Back Bonus terms and conditions at quakerstate.com.

Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. © 2011 SOPUS Products. All rights reserved. CS6451-01

Run Forever With…

The Lubrication Formation

Ready, Set, HIKE

The Lubrication Formation

By Tammy Neal, VehicleMD Staff Writer

D

oes your car have rusty latches? How about a door lock that jams? Maybe you’re being annoyed by a squeaky window? What do you do?

It’s time to put in the lubrication formation. Not to be confused with a T-formation or a Shotgun formation, this formation isn’t meant to score points, it’s meant to make your rusty latches operate smoothly and your car squeak-free.

Believe it or not, parts such as your hood latch, door hinges, door locks and trunk latch need lubrication, just like your engine (owners manuals even say so).

If you’re planning on keeping your vehicle for many years to come, don’t you want to be able to open the door and pop the hood without much difficulty? It’s for this reason that it’s important to lubricate the latches, locks and hinges on your vehicle.

The good news is that most automotive service centers do a multi-point inspection when changing your oil, and during the inspection technicians usually lubricate your door hinges and the other moving parts on the outside of your vehicle. But it never hurts to double check. Plus, if there’s an annoying little squeak somewhere, mention it to your technician; he might know the magic trick to help it go away.

Jim Davis, technical service manager for Sea 12 VehicleMD

Foam Sales, said in his days as a mechanic he replaced countless door hinges because the pins wore out due to lack of lubrication. There are bushings and pins inside door hinges (which are what the door actually rotates on), and these are the parts that crucially need lubrication. If they don’t have it, they’re simply metal grinding against metal each time you open or close your door. Davis said if the wear gets too bad, the hinge assembly may need to be replaced, and that’s a pricey

“

You can spray a penetrating oil right in the window run strip and lubricate it, so the window will glide up and down easier.

”

Jim Davis Sea Foam Sales

problem that could have been prevented. Plus, door latches and door locks can actually get rusty and freeze up. Lubrication will take care of that problem, as well.

Remember the squeaky window? Well, a little lubrication can fix that, too.

“You can spray a penetrating oil right in the window run strip and lubricate it, so the window will glide up and down easier,” Davis said. “Especially in rural areas where people drive on dirt roads a lot, dirt can get into these mechanisms and cause the windows to not operate smoothly.”

You’ll of course want to be careful when lubricating window tracks, because the lubrication can leave streaks on the window.

Don’t worry, though, the streaks can easily be cleaned off with glass cleaner.

Much like football that’s played outdoors and indoors, the lubrication formation will conquer rust, sticks and squeaks in your home or garage, as well. Whether it is a bicycle chain that has been sticking or a hinge that’s been squeaking, you can remedy it with the same penetrating oil your technician uses to maintain the latches, locks and hinges on your car.

Next time you get your oil changed, remember the other parts of your vehicle—from the hood to the doors to the trunk—that need lubrication, too, by calling an audible for the lubrication formation. 

! p e e r C p e e I love Das useful around It’s just use as it is in the ho !

E G A R MY GA

d Deep Creep has hundreds of household and workshop uses!

Even works with the ca n held upside dow n so you can us e it in difficult-to -reach application s

d Safe to use on: Hinges, locks, ball bearings, slides, air tools, wheels, chains, drills, guns, fishing reels, and much more

d Cuts through grease, road tar and varnish d Safe to use on all metals, plastics, paints, rubber products and protective coatings

d 100% pure petroleum with no lasting odor d Withstands heat better than other penetrating oils d Safe for all throttle body surfaces, seals, coatings and sensors

d Formula is V.O.C. (Volatile Organic Compounds) compliant

For more information on Sea Foam’s family of products,visit www.seafoamsales.com www.seafoamsales.com www.seafoamsales.com

Ask y techn our auto Sea F ician abo ut oam p r today oducts !

ASK PATTY

Automotive Advice For Women

Shine On, You Crazy Headlight

By Kaeli Gardner VehicleMD Contributing Writer

We

may not think about our headlights during the summer, with its long days and bright sun, but as the days draw shorter (it’s happening sooner than you think, I’m sorry to say) it’s time to take a good look at your headlights and ask the big question—are they keeping you as safe as they should?

You may think that as long as your headlights are in working order that you’re in good shape, but that’s only partially true. Sure, working headlights are preferable to the alternative, but riddle me this, dear reader: Are your headlights bright enough? You probably don’t know the answer, and that’s okay. Allow me to enlighten you with these headlight safety tips—and yes, I’m afraid this article is probably going to be full of light-related puns like this.

Just bear with me, and the heart of the matter will outshine them.

14 VehicleMD

Check Your Lenses: The first thing you should do when checking your headlights is look at the lenses. Are they crystal clear, or do you see some fogginess and yellowing? Headlight lenses naturally become cloudy over time and diffuse the beams of your headlights—this impairs your visibility, and makes it harder to see you, too! In this case, a headlight lens restoration kit will do you a whole lot of good.

Check for Brightness: Even though both your headlights may be in working order, you may be due for a replacement pair nonetheless. Headlights naturally dim over time, and there’s an easy way to check this. Park on a level surface five feet from a building wall or your garage door, and turn your headlights on. The pools of light from your headlights should be a nice, bright white—if they seem yellow or dim, it’s time to yank those bulbs and replace them.

Check for Focus: While you’re shining your lights at the wall, make sure they’re aimed well—they should be hitting the same height on the wall, and when you’re driving, you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area.

If they’re aimed too low or too high, you’re creating a blind spot and hindering other drivers’ ability to see you. If you’ve hit a couple of potholes your headlights could need to be aligned a little—ask your technician to help.

Don’t Forget the Other Lights: The headlights aren’t the only lamps on your car that need to be in proper working order. Check out those taillights, brake lights, turn signals, running lights and any other points of illumination on your vehicle to make sure everything’s nice and bright.

Always Replace Lights in Pairs: Most lights on the exterior of your vehicle come in pairs, and they should be replaced in pairs, too. If one headlight dies and you replace only that one, you’re going to have one bright headlight and one that’s dimmer—avoid this trouble and replace both lamps every time. This will ensure even illumination while you’re on the road.

So there you have it, the AskPatty. com tips for proper headlight care. In closing I want to add one thing: even during the day, if there’s any doubt as to whether you should have your headlights on, turn them on. Remember, they’re not only there to help you see—they’re also there to help other drivers see you! Drive safely out there, and may all your road trips be bright.  KAELI GARDNER lives in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee where she works as a writer, artist and web marketing manager for Ask Patty, helping to empower women nationwide to take control of their own vehicle repair. Read more of her wisdom and wit at the AskPatty.com blog.

www.lucasslickmist.com

Know Your Stuff

Get Ready to Tailgate

I

got my first taste of a college game day when I was a senior in high school. I was on a college visit with my parents to what would become my alma mater. It was a weekend in November that happened to host a football and basketball game. (I need to mention here that the university’s colors are orange and black.) We walked into a restaurant for breakfast, and my dad said, “Wow; it looks like hunting season in here!”

Yep, the entire restaurant—and, it seemed, the entire town—was wearing orange, and I had never seen that much orange in one place before.

I spent four years in that college town, and I can still remember the days when traffic was bumper-to-bumper on Highway 51. Everyone was coming in for the big game. Most cars were decked out with window paint or flags, and if you were lucky you might spot one of the tailgating party buses. And, it wasn’t only on football game days that the town exploded with orange-clad fans—they were out in full force for basketball games, baseball games and even wrestling matches, too!

Sports have etched a firm place in American culture, but hand-in-hand with sports, goes tailgating. When else can you walk though a parking lot, eat some killer barbeque, grab a cold drink and make new friends?

So it is our mission to help make your car the star of your next tailgate party.

Ready for the Road Unless you’re lucky enough to live in the hometown of your favorite sports team, you’ll probably be driving tens, hundreds or—dare I say—thousands of miles to watch a home game. Although it’s tempting to only think about seeing old friends, what you’re going to grill and how much body paint you’ll need, don’t forget about vehicle maintenance. Here are a few items to check before you hit the road.

Oil level: Oil is the lifeblood of your engine and protects it much like a left tackle protects the quarterback’s blind side.

To check the oil level, the first thing you want to do is let your car run for about five

16 VehicleMD

minutes, and then let it sit for another minute to let the oil drain back into the pan—this way you get an accurate reading. Now, simply locate the dipstick under your hood, pull it out, wipe it off and then stick it back in the tube. When you pull it out, look at where the oil level is: if it’s between the “safe” and “low” marks on the dipstick, you’re okay.

However, if the oil is below the low mark or looks dirty, you’ll want to stop by for an oil change before you head to the game.

Coolant: Think of coolant as the water boy for your car.

It keeps everything from overheating, and should not be taken for granted.

To check your coolant level, look for a transparent tank under the hood filled with a brightly colored liquid, most likely an orange, yellow, green or red one—but you’ll want to check the cap to confirm. Once you find it, locate the “full” and “low” marks. If the coolant, when warm, is between these, you’re safe. If it’s low, it’s time to head to your service center to have them a) determine if your vehicle is a candidate for a coolant flush or b) top-off your coolant tank.

Remember, cooling system failure is the number-one cause of roadside breakdowns— definitely something you don’t want to happen on game day.

Wiper Blades: Have you sat through a game when it was pouring down rain outside?

Chances are the answer is yes. So don’t forget to check your wiper blades. Fresh wiper blades will help keep your vision clear and keep you safe on the road during downpours.

If your wipers are cracked, brittle, chattering or smearing, it’s probably time for new ones.

Make Your Car the Star of the Tailgate Party

By Tammy Neal, VehicleMD Staff Writer

Most experts recommend replacing them twice a year.

Tire Tread: While a blowout is a good thing at a sporting event (if your team wins, of course), it is not good if it happens while you’re driving.

To help ward off a tire blowout, check your tire tread before the trip.

To do this, take a regular penny and flip it so Lincoln’s head is pointed down. Next, stick it between the grooves on your tire. If you can see daylight between the bottom of Lincoln’s head and the top of your tread that means your tire is on its last leg. It may be time to swing by the tire shop and get a couple of new tires before you embark on your game-day journey.

Lookin’ Sharp To make sure your car is shining like a star at the tailgate party, give it a quick wash before you leave. If you have time, it’s great to hand wash, but remember to use microfiber cloths— they won’t scratch your paint.

To make your car shine, a fresh coat of wax is always good, but don’t wax in direct sunlight or the wax will dry too fast. Also, be cautious if you’re waxing in the wind, as dirt and

other particles could get trapped in the wax.

Plus, did you know you can shine up your grill with wax, too? It’s perfect for making your entire tailgate party sparkle!

To give your car a finished look, remember to apply tire shine. It makes tires look wet and deep black, the perfect touch to help make your car a star.

Now that you have the outside spotless, you might want to “tackle” the interior.

When you open your car door, do you get a whiff of your teenager’s cleats or that sack of fast food that’s never made its way to the trashcan? Much like football, the best offense—when it comes to interior smells—is a good defense. You’ll want to remove items that could cause odors immediately, as well as clean up spills right away. Give your car a good vacuuming (maybe with the windows down if it needs to air out) and see if that does the trick.

If the smell still lingers, you might want to turn to a professional who can steam clean the interior or perform an A/C odor removal service that fights the smells in fabrics, as well as those caused by allergens in your A/C system (for more about this service, see the article on page 25).

Finally, give everything a good wipe down, but remember to use the proper product for the proper surface. You can find a product for nearly any surface from chrome to rubber and from glass to leather. 

DOUBLE CHECK YOUR GAME PLAN Now that your car is ready to be the star of the tailgate party, it’s time to double-check your game plan. Here’s a list of a few things you’ll want to bring along to your star-worthy tailgating event.

• ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT—Be sure it contains a first aid kit, an emergency blanket in case you’re left out in the cold and duct tape, because it could come in handy in a pinch. You never know what could happen when you’re traveling.

• BOOSTER CABLES—It’s draining to turn the key and just hear a click. If you happen to have a dead battery, make sure you have the proper equipment to get you out of that jam.

• ICE—Because it seems like ice is always the first thing to run out at a tailgate party.

• YOUR TEAM COLORS—Don’t let your buds, or your team, down; make sure you’ve packed your team colors. There’s no way they can knock off that rival unless you are wearing your lucky jersey, right?

Know Your Stuff

Automotive Fluids

TOPPED OFF A Glossary of Automotive Fluids

By Garrett McKinnon • VehicleMD Staff Writer

L

ike the human body, your vehicle needs various fluids in order to function properly. Allow one of these fluids to become low—or, worse yet, leak and run out altogether—and you could be in for some expensive repair bills. But what are these mysterious fluids? And what tasks do they so critically perform? Read on to find out.

Motor Oil We hear the message all the time: “Change your oil.” So why is that so important? Well, motor oil is perhaps the single-most critical fluid in your vehicle. Motor oil is the key lubricant that allows all those moving metal parts inside your vehicle’s engine to spin freely.

It protects these moving parts, helps cool the engine, suspends contaminants so they can be removed in the oil filter, and more. Plus, modern motor oil can even provide a small but measurable fuel economy benefit compared to motor oils of yore.

Motor oil is created by blending a “base oil” usually refined from petroleum with a chemical additives package that helps the motor oil perform a wide variety of tasks over a broad range of temperatures. (Many years ago, drivers had to use both a “summer” motor oil in hot temperatures and a “winter” motor oil in cold temps.)

The interval at which motor oil should be changed varies by car manufacturer, but the simple fact is that motor oil inside any car that has an internal combustion engine (even

18 VehicleMD

hybrid vehicles) eventually sees its additive package become depleted, which necessitates its replacement.

ATF The letters stand for “automatic transmission fluid,” though most professionals in the auto business simply use the shorter acronym. ATF is a specially blended fluid that is generally thinner than motor oil. It is used to cool the automatic transmission in your vehicle, prevent corrosion inside the transmission, regulate friction in the transmission’s clutches and bands, as a hydraulic fluid to operate valves, and as a fluid coupler inside the transmission’s torque converter. With the operation of a modern automatic transmission being incredibly complex, it’s easy to see why ATF is critical to the trouble-free operation of a transmission.

Many modern vehicles use an ATF made from “synthetic” or very highly refined base oils. These fluids are more expensive than ATF used in older vehicles, but they also last longer and require less frequent replacement.

Coolant Also referred to as antifreeze, “coolant” is usually a 50/50 mixture of water and an alcohol like ethylene glycol. This mixture circulates inside special channels or “galleys” inside your engine then back through your car’s radiator, where air flowing through the vanes in the radiator cools the mixture before it is once again circulated through the engine. Special compounds inside the coolant help it prevent corrosion and the formation of bubbles, which can actually damage the inside of components like the radiator or water pump. The alcohol part of the coolant mixture is there to lower the mixture’s freeze point, preventing the coolant from freezing in very cold temperatures and damaging components like the radiator (remember that water expands when it freezes).

Even though modern coolant can last for several years between changes, since the anti-corrosion and other compounds inside coolant do eventually break down automakers recommend changing the fluid at dedicated intervals.

Brake Fluid

Differential Fluid

The fluid that forces your car to stop whenever you hit the brake pedal is brake fluid. This specially blended hydraulic fluid uses (with a little help from a vacuum booster in modern vehicles) the pressure from your foot to squeeze the brakes at each corner of your car together, generating friction that slows and eventually stops the vehicle.

Because the hoses and seals used in a brake system would break down if exposed to a petroleum-based fluid, most modern brake fluid is based on a solvent compound known as glycol-ethers. These fluids have very high boiling points, which allows them to withstand the high temperatures generated under braking. Brake fluid is easily contaminated, and contaminated fluid should always be flushed out of the brake system and replaced with new fluid. Plus, it is generally advisable to have the brake fluid replaced whenever new brake pads or other brake components are installed.

Also called differential oil or gearbox oil, this heavy lubricating oil keeps the complex set of gears inside your car’s differential (or gearbox) humming along. A differential is simply a set of gears that divides power from the engine and sends it to each of the drive wheels. While some frontwheel-drive vehicles have the differential integrated with the transmission, rear-wheel-drive vehicles like SUVs and pickups all have a rear differential.

Most automakers recommend replacing differential fluid at specified intervals, but if you use your vehicle to tow a trailer it is generally advised to have the differential fluid serviced at shorter-than-standard intervals (something noted in many owners manuals). Plus, if the vehicle has been driven in water deep enough to submerge the differential, it is recommended that the differential fluid be changed as soon as possible to ensure that any water-contaminated fluid is removed and replaced with fresh fluid. (Note: Four-wheel-drive vehicles use a gearbox known as a transfer case to help split power between the front and rear wheels.

Many transfer case fluids are similar or identical to differential fluids, and require similar service intervals.)

Power Steering Fluid Similar in many ways to ATF (in fact, some automakers use ATF as the power steering fluid in their vehicles), power steering fluid is a petroleum-based hydraulic fluid that the power steering pump in your car pressurizes and then uses to help you steer the vehicle. (If you’ve ever tried steering an older car that didn’t come with power steering, you know what a wonderful invention this is!)

Though it is not subjected to the same stresses as ATF, the additives package in power steering fluid may eventually begin to wear out, necessitating its replacement. Automakers do not typically recommend replacing power steering fluid at certain intervals, but if you notice your power steering system “whining” or your vehicle becoming more difficult to steer, a power steering fluid replacement may help cure the problem.

Manual Transmission Fluid If you’re one of the minority of drivers who prefers to “row your own” gears, you need to be aware of the special fluid inside the manual transmission. This manual transmission fluid is in some ways similar to the gearbox oil found in differentials, but in many cases is somewhat thinner and may require a different set of additives. And, like differential fluid, manual transmission oil may require more frequent service intervals if the vehicle is used to tow a trailer or haul a heavy load, and certainly if the transmission has been submerged in water.

CVT Fluid Finally, some vehicles today use what is called a continuously variable transmission (CVT). These special transmissions use a variable-length belt or chain to alter gear ratios, and the fluid used for CVTs is in most cases not compatible with that used in automatic transmissions. You will generally find CVTs in vehicles that use smaller, less powerful engines.

Just like any automotive fluid, however, the heat and stress of lubricating the CVT will eventually deplete the additives package in CVT fluid, necessitating its replacement.

As you can see, there are a number of automotive fluids and most, if not all, require periodic replacement as their additives packages become depleted—or they become contaminated or dirty—and they lose their ability to function as designed. Maintaining these automotive fluids is an important part of keeping your car in optimal health. 

www.vehiclemd.com 19

SIP GAS

Fuel-Savings Tips

Go Long!

By Garrett McKinnon VehicleMD Staff Writer

TIPS to Make Your Trips Between Fill-ups Last Longer — And 3 Myths That Won’t Help f you’re like most people, you dread heading to the gas pump these days. There goes that extra latte you were hoping to get later in the day. Then dinner out Friday night. Braces. College for the kids.

Okay, so maybe it’s not THAT bad, but gas prices are high. And while we know the standard copout in these types of articles is the simple “buy a smaller, more fuel efficient car” or “carpool,” for most of us those simply aren’t options.

To that end, we’ve gathered this expert advice that can save you money at the pump (plus a few things that don’t work as advertised). Because little Jimmy really wants to go to a good university!

1

Easy Does It It’s been said before, but it’s worth repeating that the more aggressively you drive, the more gas you’ll use. It’s that simple. Ease up on the jackrabbit starts and coast into stoplights instead of jamming on the brakes. Aggressive driving, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds 20 VehicleMD

and by 5 percent around town. (An independent study by Edmunds. com found that driving in a “moderate” fashion can improve a driver’s mileage a combined 31 percent!)

2

Don’t Speed I know, I know. It’s the hardest rule to follow. But did you know the national 55-mph speed limit (when it still existed) was enacted not as a life-saving measure (that was the unexpected benefit) but as a fuel-saving measure?

Fuel mileage for vehicles rapidly declines at speeds above 60 mph. In fact, according to the DOT, each five mph over 60 you drive is like paying an additional $0.29 for gas (at a U.S. national average of $3.65 per gallon). Slowing down can save you as much as 12 percent on gas versus speeding. That might be worth extending your trip by a few minutes!

3

Clean It Out For many of us, our trunk is like our closet, a catchall repository for the clutter in our lives. But did you know an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your fuel mileage by up to 2 percent. That’s about $1 a fill-up, which might not sound like much, but could mean an extra latte a month in savings!

4

Shut ’Er Down Several independent tests have shown that if you are going to be idling for more than a minute, it is more cost effective to simply shut your car’s engine down, and then restart it when you need to. After all, an idling vehicle is getting zero miles per gallon!

5 6

7

Smooth the Airflow Anything sticking off your vehicle interrupts the airflow and increases drag, so if you’re not using that ski-rack or bicycle-rack, ditch it. (And if you have a sunroof, keep it closed if you want to save gas.) No, you won’t look as macho or outdoorsy, but your credit card won’t have to work as hard when it comes time to fill up, either.

8

Keep It Tight According to the Car Care Council, loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gasoline to simply evaporate into the air each year.

Not only is this bad for the environment, it also costs you a little bit of money over time. No, making sure your gas cap is tight (or replacing it if it’s damaged)

9

Put Your Foot Down My grandmother, God bless her, was a two-footed driver her entire life. Her right foot she kept on the gas, her left she kept resting on the brake pedal. If you drive like her, you might not realize that even the smallest bit of pressure on the brake pedal causes the brakes to clamp down. You might not even feel it, but even the tiniest bit of mechanical drag from the brakes can suck your fuel tank dry in a hurry. Plus, it wears out your brakes prematurely, as well, and a brake job is equal to a bunch of lattes!

10

Cruise to the Beat Remember that Edmunds.com test we mentioned earlier? That same test found using cruise control versus your foot can save an average of about 7 percent on fuel economy, a fact backed up by DOT statistics.

So any time you’re out on the open road, turn that cruise control on.

Pump ’Em Up It’s perhaps the easiest way to improve your car’s fuel economy: keep your tires properly inflated.

According to the DOT, properly inflated tires can improve mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Plus, properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. And now, several states require service facilities like dealerships and fast lubes to test your tire’s inflation for you.

won’t double your fuel economy overnight (you might not even notice a difference), but you will be doing Mother Nature a favor and saving yourself a few cents in the long run.

Shut ’Em Down So you’ve dropped off the kids at school; now what? Well, for starters you can turn off the rear air conditioner (if you have one). Air conditioning is just one of a number of power-sapping accessories your car might have. Others include navigation systems, entertainment systems and anything else that draws electricity. Shutting off these systems (especially rear A/C) when not in use can result in a small but noticeable improvement in fuel economy. Every little bit helps! 

FUEL ECONOMY MYTHS While we wish every little tip and trick would yield substantial savings in fuel economy, the truth is that some tips widely touted in the press and elsewhere are simply not true.

To whit:

1. A Breath of Fresh Air

Okay, so we’re guilty of publishing the myth that a new air filter can improve fuel mileage but in our defense the DOT study that refutes the myth of “new air filter equals better fuel mileage” just came out recently. Turns out that a new air filter really only helps if your car has a carburetor (and a whole generation of our readers just said, “What’s a carburetor?”). However, the same DOT study did find that a new air filter will improve acceleration, so if your only concern is keeping your sports car in peak performance, a new air filter might be for you!

2. Fill Up When It’s Cool Out

According to the folks at Consumer Reports (who test these things religiously), the temperature of fuel varies little during the course of a day, so there’s no real benefit to topping off the tank during the cool part of the day.

3. Keep Pumping

Some “hyper-mileage” blogs have recommended over-inflation of tires as a way to improve fuel economy. And while it is true that doing so can create a small bump in mileage, it also increases wear on the tires and decreases the “contact patch” where your tires are touching the road. This can upset the vehicle’s ability to steer and stop, especially in abrupt, accident-avoidance situations or when it’s wet outside. Better to pay a few more cents at the pump than risk your life.  www.vehiclemd.com 21

BE SAFE ON THE ROAD

Shocks/Strut Replacement

SHOCKED:

Your car’s suspension system isn’t just about comfort!

by Kara Bishop VehicleMD Staff Writer

W

hen we think of the shock absorbers on our vehicles, we often think comfort.

“Shocks,” as they’re called for short, do play a vital role in how bumpy the ride is, but they are imperative to safe driving, as well.

Neglecting your vehicle’s shocks could mean the difference between stopping on a dime and running into that tree you didn’t see until the last second.

What are shocks and struts?

One of the core components of the suspension system, the primary purpose of a shock absorber is to hold the tires to the road. This provides for a smoother ride—and a safer one, too. Struts are seen on newer vehicles in place of shocks.

Because they are compact, struts allow for more interior space and a lighter vehicle. They not only control the vertical motion of the tire, but contribute to the steering’s pivotal rotation, as well.

Shocks and struts affect the drivability of the vehicle, but they can also impact braking, traction, handling and even tire tread wear.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing and inspecting the suspension system at regular intervals, with most recommending having your shocks inspected every 12,000 miles and replaced every 50,000 miles.

According to experts, an example of how worn shocks can affect braking ability is if you were travelling at 50 miles per hour and needed to stop suddenly. Having a single shock that is 50 percent degraded can add more than 12 feet to the distance at which you would be able to stop. Those 12 feet

22 VehicleMD

could be the difference between a safe stop and a major crash.

Worn shocks and struts can also impact

WARNING SIGNS FOR WORN SHOCKS ~ Nose diving when braking ~ Dented or damaged housing ~ Steering wheel vibration ~ Car veers in side winds ~ Excessive lean or sway in turns ~ Uneven tire wear ~ Excessive bounce on rough surfaces ~ Oil leaks from shocks or struts

emergency maneuvers and increase the risk of a crash. Being able to steer away from hazards on the road is crucial for safe driving, and having your shocks inspected routinely and replaced when needed, can greatly increase your chance of missing the potential dangers on the road.

While the so-called “bounce test” (where you push down on the front bumper and then let go) used to be useful for identifying worn shocks or struts, today’s more complex suspension systems generally require a visual or physical inspection. If you notice your car “wallowing” through curves or bouncing at stop signs, it could be time to bring the car to an auto technician to see if the shocks need to be replaced.

After all, it’s not just about comfort. It’s about safety, too. 

BE HEALTHY IN THE SEAT

Cabin Air Filters

by Kara Bishop VehicleMD Staff Writer

THE FRESH ON CABIN AIR FILTERS

D

oes your car’s interior smell funny? Do you buy air fresheners by the dozens, but the odd smell is only masked for a brief while and then comes back? Identifying the real problem behind the mysterious odor can be difficult; especially if there are parts on your car that you weren’t aware existed—like the cabin air filter. According to experts, many

24 VehicleMD

car owners don’t realize that such a part exists in their vehicles, much less if it ever needs to be changed. Whether you know about it or not, a cabin air filter is an essential part of your car’s ventilation system—removing pollutants, solid contaminants like dust and soot, and absorbing odors and gases—that needs to be maintained like the rest of a vehicle’s components. Cabin

air filters may also be known as passenger compartment filters, interior ventilation filters, pollen filters or dust filters. There are two different types of filters: carbon (often referred to as charcoal-activated cabin filters) and paper (particle). These filters may look similar in construction to the standard engine air filters, but some unique characteristics make them

A/C ODOR SERVICE

a year. For a vehicle in a rural area that is driven frequently on unpaved roads, the service life of the filter may only be six months or less. It all depends on the vehicle and the driving condition the vehicle falls under.

So, why change these filters? Obviously to ensure the quality of air that passengers breathe every minute they are in the car— this is especially important for people with allergies and respiratory problems. Also, the interior of the car remains cleaner with properly filtered air, and a dirty filter puts more wear on the ventilation system; since there is higher air-flow resistance, the blower must work much harder. This process will eventually reduce the heating and air conditioning performance.

No matter what, it’s important to remember that the cabin air filter needs to be maintained. If you can’t figure out what that smell in your car is—we are all guilty of leaving the gym shoes in the car on a hot day—or your heating and air conditioning is not working like it should, then take the vehicle to your service center and have the filter professionally inspected and replaced, if necessary. 

If the cabin air filter is not the source of your odor dilemma, there are other possible causes. If the air coming out of the vents smells musty, it is possible mold or mildew is growing inside your A/C system’s evaporator.

Fortunately, many auto service facilities offer an A/C odor service that can remove those offending smells. This service generally uses a chemical foaming agent to remove mold and mildew from the air conditioner.

If your A/C isn’t smelly, keep it that way by following these tips: n Musty odors are often started by going in a drivethrough carwash tunnel with

CABIN AIR FILTER FACTS

different. The original filter is the particle filter, which is constructed with two layers of material: a polyester base layer woven to trap larger dust particles, and an electrostaticcharged layer which acts as a magnet to draw the finest dust particles out of the air.

Innovative technology has given us the carbon filter, which not only keeps irritating particles from entering the cabin of your car, but also includes a layer of activated carbon, or charcoal, which absorbs unpleasant odors and gaseous compounds.

Cabin air filters came along in the mid1980s when air pollution became a problem.

Today more than 80 percent of all new import or domestic vehicles have a cabin air filter, while 40 percent of vehicles actually on the road contain cabin air filters.

Over time, the air filter in your car becomes less efficient as it gets dirty with use.

This can be the cause of the strange odor you smell (and are trying to get rid of with dozens of 99-cent air fresheners). However, it’s not just the smell that will affect you, because a dirty air filter can decrease the performance of the air conditioning and heating systems—causing an even more uncomfortable ride.

Vehicle manufacturers usually recommend replacing the filter at least once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (even more if you’re driving in areas with heavy smog or dusty conditions), and the service interval can depend on the type of filter being replaced— carbon or paper—and the cabin’s filter exposure to the environment as well as the amount of miles on the vehicle.

Experts say to change the filter as often as necessary to prevent the filter from clogging—or in the case of cabin air filters that also absorb odors, as often as needed to keep unpleasant odors to a minimum. Under “normal” driving conditions for a vehicle driven primarily in a city or suburban area, the average service life of a typical cabin air filter is about

n Most

cabin air filter replacement services take less than 15 minutes. n The cabin air filter protects car passengers from pollen, spores, bacteria and other airborne contaminants. In addition, carbon cabin air filters are impregnated with activated charcoal to prevent outside odors from entering the car’s passenger compartment. n The cabin air filter aids in the operation of a vehicle’s heating and air conditioning systems by keeping them free from contaminants. n Most automakers recommend that the cabin air filter should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. n Airborne contaminants inside a vehicle can be as much as six times higher than the levels of contaminants in the air outside the vehicle. n Cabin air filters are located under the vehicle’s hood, behind the glove box or under the dash. 

your air conditioner set on “intake from the outside.” Either turn your A/C off or put it on the “re-circulate” setting. If you don’t, you’re allowing water to be splashed in through the vents around the windshield wiper area, which can cause mildew and mold. n Running your air conditioner on its maximum setting most of the time can leave odor-causing moisture inside the system. Instead, choose a lower setting more often. On a particularly hot day, when you have to use the maximum setting, change it to a lower setting shortly before turning the car off. This will give your air

conditioner a chance to dry out and prevent mold from forming. n Another quick fix includes a disinfectant spray. Spray the disinfectant directly into the vents around the windshield area on the outside of your car. Run the air conditioner on “outside air” for the first several miles and then switch to re-circulate.

This inside airflow is stronger and flushes the disinfectant through the system.

It is important to note that these suggestions are only temporary/preventative solutions. If the odor problem persists, visit your local auto service facility for an inspection. 

www.vehiclemd.com 25

26 VehicleMD ANSWERS: 1. D (Denver Broncos, Ford Bronco), 2. A (Washington State University Cougars, Mercury Cougar), 3. H (University of New Hampshire Wildcats, Buick Wildcat), 4. E (San Diego Chargers, Dodge Charger), 5. C (Jacksonville Jaguars, Jaguar XK), 6. F (St. Louis Rams, Ram 1500), 7. G (Southern Utah University Thunderbirds, Ford Thunderbird), 8. B (Southern Methodist University Mustangs, Ford Mustang)

8 4

H D 7

3

G C 6 F

2 B 5 1

E A

Can you match the football team mascot to the car that shares its name?

H

omonym uddle

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*Based on a survey of licensed drivers conducted by a leading research firm January 2005 – December 2010. Real story portrayed by actors. ©2011 SOPUS Products. All rights reserved.