car care guide

Car Care

GuideHow to go the

distanceOn the road

to 200,000 miles and more

Get smart quick:

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August 30, 2012Car Care Guide2

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August 30, 2012 3Car Care Guide

By STEVE OAKEY GUEST WRITER

Perhaps you are familiar with one or two reality television programs wherein participants are given a small bud-

get to renovate a house then turn around and “flip” the house for resale. The object, of course, is that with a small investment in cosmetic improvements, the home value increases far in excess of the small investment. The same principle applies equally for your car or pickup. Whether you intend to sell your vehicle, surprise a spouse, or treat yourself to a “like new” automobile condition. While it is true that some are able to clean a vehicle themselves, many simply lack the time, tools or inclination to do so. Just like lawn

maintenance, hair care, or home renovation, many turn to profession-als to do the task. Let me give a few suggestions to consider for your automotive detailing, because while the general idea of a clean car remains, new technologies and procedures have been developed to make having a like new vehicle easier and more affordable.

Many car owners are aware that modern automobile paints have a

“clear coat” finish and have been told or believe that these clear coat resins have no need for polish, just keep it washed. This is absolutely untrue and can be demonstrated by simply looking at a new car or new paint job to compare with an older paint fin-ish; even one that is regularly washed. First, clear coat paint is paint without a pigment, pure and simple and as

such is sensitive to sun light oxida-tion, road rash, finger nails (look at the small nail scratches inside your door handles) hand prints (look at the door pillars where you close the door) even the wash mitt and towel you may use to wash the car (use microfiber material). Unfortunately when some try to remove tree sap, insects or other paint contamination, micro scratches can develop and are visible, especially in darker paints. When an ill-informed or poorly trained detailer tries to buff out scratches they can burn paint or leave web-like swirl marks. Have a reputa-ble detailer do a demonstration on an inconspicuous part of your car, showing that scratches can be safely removed. After putting a high gloss back onto your car, run the back of your hand across the polished paint and discover how smooth the paint finish now feels. You will also find that this reconditioned paint will be easier to wash and keep clean.

A popular item for sale in parts stores is headlight restoration kits. The idea of restoring or recondition-ing old faded, yellowed, oxidized headlights is a good one since such poor lamps greatly reduce light out-put, and make the overall appearance of your car look worn, even if you regularly clean your car. However beware that not all headlight restora-tion is the same. Many of these store bought systems are merely multi-stage plastic polishes and as such, will look good for a while but with the passage of time, return to the faded look. Inquire either from the store personnel or the professional detailer whether the restoration system

includes the application and curing of a permanent resin to the lamps. Many such headlight restoration sys-tems will include a lifetime guarantee.

If you have experienced one or more of the following:

1. Purchased a used car that has been smoked in

2. Milk was spilled in your car that is now producing an unbearable odor

3. A child was carsick4. A passenger grimaces upon

entering your car because of an odor you have become accustomed to,

know that there is a professional way to remove these odors. In some cases, odor removal requires more than shampooing the automobile carpet. It may benefit from an Ozone treatment, which means your profes-sional detailer, after thoroughly cleaning the vehicle, will run an ozone-producing machine in your car, designed to kill the bacteria that produced the odor.

Of course professional detailers can perform all the standard tasks of vehicle cleaning, but just because they can open a portable tent, and pull out a small vacuum cleaner and bucket of soapy water does not exude confidence in the final product. As with any business, automotive detail-ing requires time-tested experience and professional grade equipment to produce quality results. Keep in mind that a proper detailing job takes time, but can be expedited with a fully equipped facility.

By making a small investment in the appearance of your vehicle, you will increase its value and be very pleasantly surprised with the results.

SMALL DETAILS, BIG PAYOFF

Small Details, Big Payoff 3

The Road to 200,000 Miles 4

Outsmart a Car Thief 6

Your Car, Cooler 8

Five Dos and Don’ts when Dealing with a Mechanic 10

When it’s Time to Buy Tires 12

Simple Steps for Saving Gas 14

Car Care GuideTable of contents:


the road to 200,000 miles

By JIM GORzELANY CTW FEATURES

Keeping a car running for as long as possible is a financial issue for most consumers. For others it’s a mission. Take Irv Gordon, a retired science teacher in East Patchogue, N.Y., who holds the Guinness world record for racking up the high-

est mileage in the same vehicle. At last count he’s clocked more than 2,900,000 miles on the Volvo 1800 S coupe he purchased back in 1966 and is aiming for a cool 3 million.

Trivia buffs know the Volvo 1800 S as Roger Moore’s ride of choice as adventurer Simon Templar in the TV series “The Saint”

back when the car was new. But you don’t need divine interven-tion to wring the most miles possible out of your automotive investment. “Today’s cars are built to last as long as 250,000 miles with simple routine care,” says noted car-care expert Bob Weber, an ASE-certified technician in Purcellville, Md., who writes about cars and car care.

The road to 250,000 miles begins with following the auto-maker’s maintenance schedule to the letter. Weber suggests heeding a manufacturer’s so-called “severe use” schedule, which includes more frequent oil changes. By definition it applies to

2 0 1 2 c a r C A R E g U i d E

With a little care, any car can log 200,000 miles. here’s how to prepare your car for the long run

rolling toward 3,000,000 miles: “milNmilr” irv

Gordon and his 1966 Volvo coupe

Continued on NeXt PaGe

August 30, 2012 5Car Care Guide 2 0 1 2 c a r C A R E g U i d E

those who frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, live in extremely hot or cold climates or dusty areas, or who tow a trailer – all in all, the majority of motorists.

Make frequent checks of the car’s fluids – including engine oil, coolant and brake, power steering and transmission fluids – and top them off as necessary. Your car’s owner’s manual will show where and how to check them. If any fluid levels are chron-ically low, have the car examined by a tech-nician. “Although it may not be called out in the owner’s manual or be required to main-tain the warranty, changing transmission, differential and brake fluids every 100,000 miles or less can extend these components’ lives,” says Weber.

Check the battery fluid level at least once a month according to instructions in the owner’s manual. If the fluid level is low, top it off only with distilled water. Keep the ter-minals clear of corrosion to ensure a good connection using a soft wire brush dipped in ammonia or baking soda, then flush with clear water. Inspect the hoses and belts regu-larly and have them replaced whenever they appear cracked, brittle or frayed.

Pay attention to the way your car drives. Take it to the repair shop if it’s making strange sounds, is becoming difficult to start, is handling or braking oddly, is over-heating or otherwise isn’t operating as expected. Undue procrastination may lead to higher repair bills down the road.

Take time to ensure that your car ages gracefully from an aesthetic point of view. “Take pride and care in your vehicle’s appearance,” Weber says. “Regular washing and occasional waxing not only keeps the finish looking good, it prevents rust and cor-rosion. Vacuuming the interior prevents dirt from acting as tiny knives to ruin fabrics.”

Unfortunately, even a meticulously main-

tained car or truck will need to visit the repair shop from time to time as the miles pile up. Batteries, tires and brake compo-nents, for example, all wear out after only a few years. Bigger-ticket items that usually need replacement at or near the 100,000-mile point often include an engine’s timing belt, fuel pump, water pump, alternator and starter, as well as the vehicle’s muffler and exhaust pipes, power-steering pump and universal or CV joint. As a car approaches its “golden years,” it’s a good idea to budget each year for such repairs to keep a car run-ning in top condition.

Finally, ensure your driving habits don’t work against your car’s longevity. “Accelerate slowly and anticipate your stops to brake gently to prevent accelerated wear and tear,” Weber says. “Beating up on your car can really take its toll.”

© CTW Features

“TAKE PRIDE AND CARE IN

YOUR VEHICLE’S APPEARANCE.”


2 0 1 2 c a r c a r e g u i d e

By jay koBlenz cTW FeaTureS

The good news is, auto thefts are down. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 7.2 percent fewer vehicles were stolen in 2011 than in

the previous year. The bad news is that still means nearly 740,000 vehicles were swiped from driveways and parking lots across the U.S. And that doesn’t account for vehicles that were vandalized and/or had items or components stolen from them.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau in Des Plaines, Ill., recommends astute owners heed four layers of car security. The first layer is free: Don’t forget to take the keys, close the windows, lock the doors and park in the safest, most well-lit area possible. Also, be sure not to leave valu-ables in plain sight. Unfortunately, few cars come with locking glove boxes these days and with the rise of folding seatbacks and open-hatch SUVs, the concept of a secure trunk may be waning. But just putting items in a covered storage area or under

the seat helps deflect roving eyes. Get in the habit of taking with you what you can. For those who must leave expensive items inside a vehicle, an installer can bolt a lock-ing storage compartment into the trunk or rear hatch that should discourage all but the most ardent criminals

The second layer of security is to alert potential thieves that your car is protected. Apply a visible window decal or blinking LED and etch a vehicle’s identification

number on the glass and key components. An audible alarm or obvious anti-theft mea-sure like a steering wheel lock also are good measures to scare off bad guys. The third layer of security is technology that immobilizes a vehicle to prevent it from being started and driven away. If the previ-ous three fail, the final layer is a tracking device that lets authorities locate a stolen vehicle.

Some of these items require installation of costly technology, but none replace the common sense of parking your car beneath a street lamp rather than the darkest part of the block or lot; making your car more difficult to steal than the next one on the

block dramatically improves your odds of keeping it in the first place. Here’s a quick look at the gear that can help:

•Steering Wheel Lock. The Club was the first of its kind in this product category. It’s since been joined by various other brands. The device simply locks onto a steering wheel and helps prevent a car from being driven away. It’s an obvious visual deterrent and an affordable one, starting at around $30 and running as high as $100, depending on the brand and style. Deluxe versions lock both the steering wheel and the brake pedal for an added layer of security, and some are engineered to additionally protect the driver’s-side air bag from theft. The downside: You have to remember to use it, it takes time to engage and remove and you have to store it somewhere while driving.

•Immobilizers and Kill Switches. Among

Outsmart a Car thieftOday’s autOmOtive seCurity systems are effeCtive

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Onstar retrOfit: the naviGatiOn and safety system OnCe prOprietary tO Gm vehiCles is nOw Open tO all, with a system built intO a replaCement rearview mirrOr.

Continued on neXt paGe

August 30, 2012 7Car Care Guide2 0 1 2 c a r c a r e g u i d ethe cheapest and most effective ways to thwart a thief is to install a simple kill switch. Hidden out of sight, it shuts down part of a car’s electrical system so it can’t be started. Few crooks will take much time figuring out why a given vehicle won’t start and will move on to the next one. More sophisticated systems incorporate engine immobilizers in which a fuel shut-off func-tion lets the thief drive a block or two before the car stops – hopefully in a more-public location where he or she won’t want to spend time trying to restart the car. Hardware in this class ranges from about $25 to $125 and usually requires profes-sional installation

•Alarm Systems. An audible signal, wheth-er a loud siren or the car’s blaring horn, attracts attention and prevents most villains from lingering near your vehicle. Better systems also flash the headlights to identify which car is in danger in a crowded park-ing lot. Technology has reduced the num-ber of false alarms by adding different types of sensors that can tell when a noise or movement comes from inside rather than

outside of the car. Shock sen-sors can determine glass breakage or whether some-one is trying to tow the car or raise it to steal its wheels.

A basic alarm system can cost as little as $150, plus installation. A fully loaded system can easily break the $1,000 threshold. Many of these systems can be cus-tomized with myriad add-on features that include keyless entry, remote start, remote notification via a key fob and even full-blown integra-tion with smartphones. For example, Viper’s Smart Start system can arm the alarm, lock or unlock the car, start the vehicle, pop the trunk and engage a panic alarm, all via an iPhone or Android app. What’s more, the system can help guide a directionally challenged motorist back to the car in a crowded parking lot. It can even

be set to give parents alerts on teenage drivers’ where-abouts or if they exceed a set speed limit.

Unfortunately, no alarm system works well if it’s not installed properly. The Mobile Electronics Certification Program is part of the Consumer Electronics Association and currently certifies more than 4,500 installers. Certification applies to both sales people and installers, so it’s a good idea to check to ensure that the person who’s actually doing the

job is properly accredited.•Vehicle Trackers.

Acknowledging that the most talented crooks can thwart even the best anti-theft mea-

sures, a final layer of security involves track-ing and getting back a vehicle after it is sto-len. LoJack, introduced in 1986, is the best-

known tracker of stolen vehicles and claims having helped find more than 10,000 stolen vehicles in 2010 alone. The downside is price: the service, which works with a trans-mitter and a radio frequency signal, starts at about $600, plus a monthly fee. It’s the only system on the market that’s activated by the police, who are as eager to capture the thief as an owner is to recover the car.

Other systems can track your vehicle’s whereabouts using GPS. Now available for most later-model cars is a replacement rearview mirror that incorporates General Motors’ OnStar telematics system, which was previously available only on GM-branded cars and trucks. For about $200 and a $19 monthly fee, OnStar also provides emergency services, Bluetooth hands-free calling, roadside assistance and stolen vehicle tracking. For example, if a car is stolen, the owner reports the theft to police. OnStar provides law enforcement officers with the vehicle’s location, enabling them to track and pull over the car and catch the thief.

© CTW Features

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your car, coolerBy jay koBlenz CTW FEATURES

There’s no need to be envious of new cars equipped with the latest and greatest elec-tronic features. It can be sur-prisingly easy and affordable

to upgrade your current vehicle with some of the most fanciful and practical develop-ments in automotive technology with aftermarket accessories.

Perhaps you want to connect your smartphone wirelessly, get the latest in onboard navigation systems, keep your passengers entertained or acquire the lat-est, greatest safety devices. A host of these upgrades can be purchased at nominal prices. Some require little or no installation. They’re commonly available at electronics and auto-parts stores, car stereo retailers and even new-car dealerships, with profes-sional installation usually offered if neces-sary. Here’s a look at the ways you can keep your car up to date without trading it in.

• GPS Navigation. It was once an expen-sive original-equipment option but today you don’t even need a dedicated system to

get in-car navigation. A GPS-equipped smartphone and a proper mounting device is all that’s required. Still, not everyone owns a data plan-enabled phone. Standalone GPS systems for less than $100 are plenti-ful, and manufacturers offer a host of high-

end innovative features. Smartphone Link, a new free app from Garmin, works with the company’s newest Bluetooth enabled GPS navigators with Android phones. Clicking on the app link to Garmin Live Services, your phone can deliver traffic,

weather and fuel price info to the GPS device, using the smartphone’s mobile data plan. Some live services are free; oth-ers – such as live traffic and fuel price comparison – require a paid subscription. The newest model of Garmin’s flagship personal navigation device, Nuvi 3590L, boasts a more intuitive interface, digital 3D traffic and updates as often as every 30 seconds.

Many GPS units provide real-time traffic alerts, direct drivers to the proper lane for complex interchanges and even show photos of oncoming intersections. Some incorporate handy trip guide data, includ-ing restaurant reviews. TomTom-brand units allow users to download celebrity voices to give turn-by-turn instructions. The company’s top of the line Go Live 1535M model connects drivers with real-time traffic, fuel prices and weather infor-mation; a subscription service delivers access to restaurant reviews on YELP and TripAdvisor, hotel reservations via Expedia and automatic Twitter text messaging. The

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Don’t trade it in – trade it up with some of the latest new-car features.

continued on NeXT PaGe

look both ways: audiovox aca 240, a wireless rear observation system for

DIy installation

Streaming music: Pioneer’s aVH-P8400BH replaces a car’s audio system with a multimedia DVD receiver that pro-

vides a DJ-like listening experience, drawing music from an iPod, iPhone, uSB Device and HD radio.


2 0 1 2 c a r C A R E g U i d Enew version of the TomTom app for iPhone now works on the larger iPad devices.

• Rear-Seat Video System. Keeping the kids (or any occupants) in the back seat happy can help any road trip running smoothly. Video packages vary from basic plug-in units that hang from the front-seat headrests to built-in models with one or two screens that require professional installation. Top models feature wireless headphones so viewers don’t disturb other passengers. Another option gaining popularity is to simply hand the passenger(s) an iPad or Android tablet computer that can play video, games and, with the right connec-tivity, access the Internet.

• Audio System Upgrades. When it comes to improving the quality of a car’s audio sys-tem or adding some of the latest connectivity features, the only limits are the amount of money in your wallet and the available space in your car’s dashboard. Most vehicles have what’s called either single- or double-DIN space allocated for the radio. This translates into a rectangle about seven inches (or 180 mm) wide and a height of either two or four inches (100 or 200 mm). Double-DIN allows a reasonably sized multipurpose video screen or extra space that can be turned into storage for an iPod or phone.

Almost every aftermarket car-audio system has an auxiliary input that can be used to con-nect and stream audio from a phone or MP3 player. Many have specific inputs for the ubiq-uitous iPod/iPhone connector. Some have a computer’s USB input to accept a flash drive and control and/or charge portable electron-ics items.

A so-called Bluetooth interface is an increas-ingly common way to make and receive mobile phone calls on a hands-free basis, albeit with varying levels of compatibility depending on the phone and the unit itself. Basic Bluetooth adapters cost around $65 and allow only phone conversations, while costli-er versions are capable of much more, includ-ing full control and playback of audio from your phone. Top models utilize remote micro-phones for crystal-clear phone conversations and even to afford voice-command operation of other functions.

Some units further incorporate a wireless Wi-Fi connection system to stream audio and video from a smartphone, or use a special mobile data receiver that can turn a car into a Wi-Fi hotspot (on a subscription basis) to con-nect one or more other devices, such as a laptop or tablet computer to the Internet. Note, however, that it is illegal in many states

to play video or view web pages in the dash-board while a vehicle is moving.

• Heated Seat Cushions. About as high-tech as a toaster, once you’ve experienced a warm backside on a cold morning having a heated seat is a feature you’ll want to keep. All you need here is an aftermarket cushion that sits

atop your car seat and plugs into a standard 12-volt outlet. If you find the appearance unpleasant, they’re easily removable during warmer seasons. Or you can switch to one that circulates cool air to make a summer ride more enjoyable.

Here, paying a higher price gets you a larger warm area and more precise con-trol, even a massage and added back sup-port. It’s a good idea to ensure your car’s electrical circuit and fuse is capable of what could be a sig-nificant power draw, however. Many also include a 110-volt adapter for alternate use with an office or home chair.

• Backup Camera. Seeing what’s directly behind your car when backing up can literally save a life. Small cars hide pets and tricycle-riding toddlers while SUVs and minivans block large swaths of rearward vision. Several vehicles now offer backup cameras, often bundled with a costly navigation system that

serves with a large LCD video monitor. It’s possible to equip most vehicles with a similar device, although effectiveness and appear-ance vary widely with price. A basic do-it-yourself kit can be found for around $100.

Many variables improve a system’s effective-ness. If your car is already equipped with a built-in monitor or an aftermarket display

device, there may be an input for a camera-only system. You can replace your car’s rearview mirror with one that incorpo-rates a monitor that activates when the transmission in shift-ed into reverse. And as with new cars, some aftermarket systems combine a rearview monitor with GPS navigation functions. Some systems incor-porate an audio transmitting function, which can be useful for backing into tight spaces while someone outside the car gives directions.

Pay attention to these important features: a wider viewing angle will reduce blind spots; the size and qual-ity of the monitor will provide

better precision; lights or “night vision” fea-tures will allow you to see in darkness. Camera positioning is important to provide a clear image in inclement weather.

The highest quality models are incorporat-ed into audio/video systems and require pro-fessional level installation. Wireless models ease installation, but viewing quality tends to be inconsistent.

• Audible Back-Up Warning Systems. Audible proximity alerts ease parking by beeping more insistently the closer the front and/or rear of a car gets to another vehicle or obstruction. The warning tone tells you of objects you may not see regardless of where your vision is focused. They’re more afford-able than having a backup camera and video display installed. Some systems sell for well under $100, though professional installation is recommended.

• Remote Starter. Often offered an option for automobile security systems, this feature lets you start a car at the push of a button from inside your home or office. By the time you enter the vehicle, the heater or air con-ditioner will have the passenger compart-ment’s temperature in your comfort zone. Basic car starters can cost around $50, but unless you’re comfortable modifying the wiring in your vehicle, professional installa-tion is required.

• Tire Pressure Monitor. Because maintain-ing the proper air pressure in a car’s tires can be such a crucial yet neglected area of vehicle maintenance, all models sold in the U.S. since the 2008 model year come equipped with technology that alerts the driver when a tire is severely underinflated. A complete after-market system requires sensors to be installed within each tire in addition to a display unit located in the passenger compartment. These begin at around $200 and require profes-sional installation. You can save a few bucks on labor costs by having a monitor system installed at the same time you put on a new set of tires and/or wheels.

A less costly alternative: purchase a set of tire pressure monitoring valve caps, which are available for about $20 a set. These replace the tires’ valve caps with units that incorporate a color-coded indicator that notes at a quick glace whether a car’s tires are inflated correctly, slightly under inflated or significantly under inflated. The downside is these caps can be easily stolen and you have to remember to look at all four for a complete check.

© CTW Features

Surfing on the go: TomTom’s Golive 1535M device, above and right, incorpo-rates Twitter and travel aps


Five Do’s anD Don’ts When Dealing With

a Mechanic

By JIM GORzELANY CTW FEATURES

The average age of vehicles on the road has reached an all-time high of 10.8 years, according to the market research firm R.L. Polk in Southfield, Mich. Cost-conscious consumers are choosing to

keep their existing cars and trucks rather than trad-ing them in for new models. Unfortunately, as a recent Consumer Reports survey revealed, that also means many drivers are postponing needed repairs or maintenance as a money-saving measure.

Delaying service not only represents false econo-my, it can compromise safety. The car-care experts at AAA Motor Club in Heathrow, Fla., believe the best way to save money over the life of a vehicle is to choose a high-quality, full-service repair shop and allow them do all of the necessary maintenance and repair work. “This helps prevent breakdowns and often saves money by allowing drivers to make a small repair now rather than a much bigger one

2 0 1 2 c a r C A R E g U i d E

Proper communication and courtesy are the keys to

ensuring a car is serviced promptly and properly

continued on neXt Page

Talk the Talk!Taking a car in for service is always less stressful and more effective when a motorist can describe a mechanical problem to a technician as accurately as possible. Here’s a list of terms that can help explain common auto symptoms that can also serve as a checklist for a vehicle that’s headed for the repair shop:

Backfire. A gunshot-like sound that comes from the engine or tailpipe.

Bottoming: Excessive noise or harshness that’s usually felt through the steering wheel or passenger compartment when going over bumps.

Bucking: This is felt when the engine hesitates or the trans-mission slips as it changes gears and the vehicle lurches.

Dieseling: This occurs when an engine continues to burn fuel and runs briefly after the car has been switched off.

Hesitation: A brief loss of power upon acceleration.

Knocking: Also known as “deto-nation,” this is a rapid rattling that’s heard upon acceleration.

Misfire: Hesitation that occurs when fuel in one or more of an engine’s cylinders fails to ignite properly.

Shimmy: A side-to-side motion that can be felt through the tires and/or steering wheel.

Sluggish: How a car feels when it’s not accelerating smoothly or strongly enough.

Surge: A sudden, usually upward, change in the engine’s speed.

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August 30, 2012 11Car Care Guide 2 0 1 2 c a r C A R E g U i d E

later,” says John Nielsen, AAA’s director of automotive repair.

But making the decision to bring in a car for service is only half the battle. To get the most for their maintenance and repair dollars, consumers need to know how to best deal with an automotive technician so that a trip to the shop won’t ultimately turn sour. According to an informal survey of independent mechanics and repair experts conducted by the online auto-ser-vice resource AutoMD.com, here’s a list of dos to follow and don’ts to avoid when taking a car in for maintenance or repairs.

1. Communicate ProperlyThe better a consumer is able to con-

vey to a mechanic what’s wrong with his or her vehicle, the easier it is for a techni-cian to diagnose and fix the problem. It’s a good idea to write down ahead of time what ails your ride, noting specific sounds, sensations, leaks and smells, and when and how often they occur. What happened just before the car stopped running; how did it function the day before it didn’t start? Also note when the vehicle was last brought in for service, as today’s problem may be related to last month’s repairs.

2. Set Realistic ExpectationsWhen it comes to auto repairs, quick,

cheap and good are usually mutually exclusive terms. Plan to leave a car in the shop for the better part of a day to obtain necessary service and be prepared to pay the going rate for parts and labor. Even if it’s a quick fix, realize there may be several other cars ahead of yours in the mechan-ic’s service queue. Ask up front how long the car will need to be in the shop and arrange for transportation to and from the

repair facility. And always get a cost esti-mate before allowing the mechanic to pro-ceed with repairs or service.

3. Keep it cleanDon’t drop off a dirty or cluttered vehi-

cle. Not only is this common courtesy, it can affect the quality of a repair. Tidy up your ride before bringing it in for service and be sure to clear out the back seat and trunk of items like strollers, golf clubs and construction equipment. The mechanic may need to remove them to access a part or perform a specific repair, or they may weigh down the vehicle to an extent that affects the car’s performance.

4. Be availableBe sure to leave phone numbers with

the shop where you can be reached and respond promptly. If the technician isn’t able to contact you to approve a repair, the car will sit and remain unattended for that much longer. Likewise, you’ll want to know that the car is ready and how much the service will cost before heading back to the shop.

5. Leave the technician aloneJust about all mechanics who respond-

ed to the AutoMD.com service survey dis-liked customers hovering over them while they worked. While it’s appropriate to spend time with your car and the mechan-ic to explain the problem, it’s distracting and can be dangerous to remain there after the mechanic has started working. If you’ll be hanging around for a diagnosis or quick service, take a seat in the waiting room, grab a cup of coffee and let a profes-sional do his or her job.

© CTW Features

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When It’s tIme to Buy tIresBy JIM GORzELANY CTW FEATURES

Often overlooked and underesti-mated, a car’s tires – with what amounts

to four patches of rubber each smaller than a dollar bill meeting the pavement – are responsible for accelerating, steering and stopping a vehicle that can weigh 3,000 pounds or more.

There’s too much riding on your tires not to learn all you can before you buy. Start here.

DIy test: time For new tires?

Tires that have been damaged irreparably must be replaced, of course. There are more subtle signs. It’s time to go shopping for a new set of tires as soon as a series of horizontal warning bands begins to appear across the tread. You can see how close you’re getting by placing a penny into a tire’s tread groove. If you can see the very top of Lincoln’s head the treads are becoming dangerously shallow.

tire types: how We roll

While it’s prudent to purchase the same type, size and brand that originally came with the car, astute shoppers can customize the performance of their vehicles in certain respects by choosing a different type of tire:

• All-season tires feature tread patterns that are engineered to enhance traction in rain and snow while maintaining acceptable levels of ride comfort. Many vehicles come standard with this type of tire. These are different from dedicated mud-and-snow tires that feature large, deep tread blocks to provide the greatest traction over loose surfaces and are typi-cally recommended for winter-use on rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

• High-performance tires employ a harder rubber compound and put more tread on the pavement to help maxi-mize a car’s cornering abilities. Many sports cars come equipped with high-performance tires; adding a set to any car will improve its handling. Unfortunately, they afford a rougher and louder ride and wear out quicker than standard tires. They also suffer poor wet weather traction, which is why they’re often referred to as “summer tires.” High-performance tires should be matched to a vehicle’s top speed as stated in the owner’s manual. It helps to know your alphabet when shopping for high-per-formance tires. An S in the tire’s identifi-cation code indicates that the tire can maintain a maximum safe speed of up to 112 mph, a T-rated tire is certified to 118 mph, an H indicates safe speeds of up to 130 mph, a V will take you to 149 mph and Z-rated tires will maintain their integrity at speeds over 149 mph.

• Touring tires are an ideal compro-mise for those who want to obtain nominally better handling without sac-

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A new set of tires can improve a car’s safety and even its performance. unfortunately, not all tires are alike.

Continued on neXt PAGeBridgestone Ecopia 180

August 30, 2012 13Car Care Guiderificing traction on wet or snowy roads or suffering a too-harsh ride in the process.

• Low rolling-resistance tires are com-monly used on hybrids and other high-mileage models and can help improve a car’s fuel economy by about six percent. They’re made with thinner sidewalls, shal-lower tread depths and specific tread com-pounds to minimize the force required to make the tire roll. They can produce more road noise than standard tires, however, and may not be available in a given line or for specific makes and models.

• Extended mobility tires – also called “run flats” – feature self-supporting walls that enable a vehicle to be driven at reduced speeds at limited distances if punc-tured or otherwise deflated. On the one hand they preclude the need to carry a spare tire, on the other they usually deliver a firmer ride than standard tires. By contrast, so-called “self-sealing” tires are made with a special lining that’s designed to seal most small punctures.

Face Facts: Learn the Lingo

Although you may choose a set of tires that are the same type as the ones you’re replacing, there may be considerable differ-ences in quality from one brand to another – most importantly how well they’ll perform under extreme conditions. Fortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires that each tire sold in the U.S. be rated according to a set of anticipated perfor-mance criteria called the Uniform Tire Quality Gradings. These quantify a line’s rela-tive capabilities according to tread wear, traction and heat resistance.

Individual product gradings are embossed on the sidewall of every tire and a database of ratings for all current lines can be found on NHTSA’s website at www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Tires.

• Tread wear ratings are given on a numer-ic basis; higher numbers indicate longer theoretical tire lives. Although these figures can’t be used as specific mileage projections (since the climate, use of road salt and the materials used to pave roads vary from area to area), they can be used to compare the relative longevity of one tire line versus another. Thus, a tire rated at 200 could be expected to last twice as long as one rated 100.

• Traction ratings indicate a tire’s relative

ability to stop a given vehicle on wet pave-ment, and are graded based on an AA, A, B and C system: AA-rated tires offer the most traction, while C-rated products meet the minimum performance standards required by law.

• Temperature ratings are also provided on a three-letter scale, and grade a tire’s resis-tance to damage sustained as a result of overheating during sustained highway-speed driving. Here, A is the best rating, with C the minimum accepted performance.

safety Patrol: monthly to-Do List

It’s essential to ensure your tires are in top shape at all times via regular air pressure checks and visual inspections. Get in the habit of noticing and caring for your tires:

• Check your car’s tire pressure regularly (at least once a month), including the spare. Always check the tires before embarking on a long trip.

• Inspect tires for uneven wear, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of trauma. Remove bits of glass and other foreign objects wedged in the tread.

• Ensure each of the tire valves has a valve cap.

• Don’t overload your vehicle. Check the owner’s manual for the maximum recom-mended load for the vehicle. And if you are towing a trailer, remember that some of the weight of the loaded trailer is transferred to the towing vehicle.

• Help keep your tires running longer by slowing down if you have to go over a pot-hole or other object in the road. Avoid run-ning over curbs, and try not to strike the curb when parking. Source: NHTSA.

© CTW Features

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Brid

gest

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By EPHRAIM TUCHO CTW FEATURES

Drivers who anteed up a premium to purchase fuel-sipping new hybrids and electronic vehicles can shrug at reports that

gas prices this year will reach all-time highs. The rest of us are not so lucky. There is hope, however, for improving the fuel economy in the gas-guzzler in your driveway.

“The biggest thing is to drive conserva-tively,” says Larry Carley, an ASE certified technician who runs the auto-help site aa1.com. Aggressive driving, which includes fast starts and stops, can reduce fuel econ-omy. Drive sensibly and observe speed limits. Use cruise control on the highway.

Gregg Laskoski, senior petroleum ana-lyst with gasbuddy.com, a website dedi-cated to locating cheap gas prices in cit-ies throughout the U.S. and Canada, offers these tips to keep costs low:

Keep your tires properly inflated. Check tire pressure regularly. “If people have tires that are underinflated they are giving away fuel economy,” Laskoski says. Not only that, but keeping your tires underinflated will cause more wear on them and will force car owners to have them replaced sooner. You can find infor-mation on the proper tire pressure for your car in your owner’s manual.

Check your wheel alignment once a year. If the tires are not properly aligned, you could have tires working against each other, which will reduce fuel economy.

Perform regular vehicle maintenance. Read the manual and follow the recom-mendations.

Get the junk out of the trunk. Unnecessary weight in the car will reduce performance on the road. People tend to use the trunk of a car as a storage unit, Laskoski says. Removing the weight can immediately improve gas mileage.

Consolidate your trips. As gas prices climb, most drivers react by combining errands to be more efficient and to save fuel. Make a habit of planning the week ahead to cut down your mileage, saving time and gas.

Consider your use of air-conditioning. Many drivers unthinkingly flip it on, but air-conditioning puts a bigger load on your engine and burns more fuel. Note, though, that it’s a common misconcep-tion that lowering your windows is more cost-effective than air-conditioning. When driving on the open roads, open windows increase aerodynamic drag, lowering your fuel economy.

Look for fuel rewards programs. Certain retail and supermarket chains offer discounts on gas purchases, says Laskoski. Shopping at particular loca-tions for your needs can cut expenses when the time comes to fill up.

© CTW Features

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