CAR CARE GUIDE

HOW TOCHOOSE AMECHANIC

MAINTENENCETHAT SAVESYOU MONEY

THE OBSESSIVE OWNER’SGUIDE TO A SPOTLESS CAR

WHY NOT GREEN WASH?

WHAT GOES AROUND: HOW TO BUY NEW TIRES

CAR CAREGUIDE

A Special Supplement to

By DEB ACORD CTW FEATURES

The Ford Model T had twospeeds: slow and fast. Whenit needed repairs, mainte-nance was simple and quick,requiring a handful of tools.

Today’s cars are generations removedfrom the classic Tin Lizzy. Sleek, fast andhigh-tech, they often come with owners’manuals so big they won’t fit in the glovebox. Many consumers perform their owncar repairs, especially on routine fixes suchas wiper blade and bulb replacements, buteven those jobs require a good instructionmanual. Other owners rely on the experi-ence and knowledge of mechanics, especial-ly for more complicated jobs. According tothe Automotive Service Association, about75 percent of out-of-warranty repairs areperformed by independent repair shops.

Even if a consumer isn’t wielding awrench, securing excellent car repairrequires some work.

Research and preparation are important,says Brian Hafer of AutoMD.com, a con-sumer-focused car-repair site.

“Consumers should make sure the

repair shop is using high-quality parts. If itis a complex job and the vehicle is newer,they should make sure the independentshop has the automaker information todiagnose and perform the repair,” Hafersays.

“For many late-model vehicles, theautomakers restrict the information andequipment needed to do the job so carowners might need to have the work doneat a dealership,” he says.

Consumers should seek out mechanicswith professional credentials.

The Automotive Service Association is agood place to start. “Our members haveaccess to specialized training to repair vehi-cles,” says Melanie Webber, spokeswomanfor the group. “The high-tech nature oftoday’s vehicles, hybrids in particular,requires that repair professionals be trainedin the makes and models they service.”

Hafer recommends researching a shopbefore visiting. Look for consumer reviewsonline and visit sites such as theAutomotive Service Association(asashop.org), the Better Business Bureau

C A R C A R E G U I D E

REPAIRS:

HOWTO GETA GOODDEALAUTO REPAIR TIPSFOR THE AVERAGEJOE – AND JANE

BEST AND WORST CITIES FORAUTO REPAIR

In its first “Repair Shop FairnessReport,” AutoMD.com analyzed how thetop 50 U.S. cities stacked up in providingconsumers with fair auto repair cost esti-mates. Mystery shoppers conductedchecks of more than 600 shops.

5 BEST CITIES FOR AUTO REPAIRHigh Price Low Price

1. Memphis $200 $902. Jacksonville $190 $803. Omaha $190 $804. San Antonio $215 $865. Austin $190 $100

5 WORST CITIES FOR AUTO REPAIRHigh Price Low Price

46. Raleigh $250 $6047. Washington, D.C. $367 $14048. Albuquerque $312 $9949. Honolulu $545 $15150. Chicago $425 $150

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(bbb.org) and AutoMD.comTo make sure you get a fair deal, keep

these steps in mind:• Diagnose the problem as completely as

you can with online tools and repair manu-als before you go to a shop.

• Get an online, industry-standard esti-mate, and then compare it with the esti-mate of the shop. If the shop’s estimate ishigher, counter with the researched esti-mate.

• Compare shops. Look at averagehourly labor rates, reviews and ratings, andcall them for price quotes.

• Negotiate. Once you have an onlinefair price estimate and quotes from other

area shops, ask for a lower price.And the most important advice for con-

sumers: Ask questions. When you walk intoan auto repair shop, “look and ask for cre-dentials,” says Bob Wills, owner of WillsAuto Service in Battle Creek, Mich., and ageneral director of the Automotive ServiceAssociation.

Find out how long the current owner hasbeen in business. “Experience is a factor. Sois training,” Wills says. Listen closely to atechnician’s advice to determine if the workprescribed is necessary or is an additionalservice that, while useful, may be optionalfor your immediate needs.

© CTW Features

Georgia AutoAir & Radiator

“We Sweat So You Don’t Have To”

Over 30 Years Experience

Marc Kevern1530 N. Columbia St.

Milledgeville, GA

478-453-9224(478) 452-5448

1525 N. Columbia St. • Milledgeville, GA

EVANSAUTOMOTIVEYOURCOMPLETE

CARECENTERMarty Evans

Owner

C A R C A R E G U I D E

MAINTENANCE:

PREVENTIVEMEASURES

IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH TO ENSURE YOUR CAR IS IN GOOD RUNNING ORDER. FOLLOWING A FEW SIM-PLE PROCEDURES REGULARLY CAN ADD THOUSANDS OF MILES TO A VEHICLE’S LIFE – AND HELP SAVEMONEY IN THE PROCESS

By JIM GORZELANY CTW FEATURES

Automotive maintenance is sucha valuable life skill that the BoyScouts actually issue a meritbadge for it. Truth is, armedwith little more than a trusty

owner’s manual, anyone can perform routineservice checks and tasks themselves. Astuteowners save money by taking charge of main-tenance, heading off the need for costlierrepairs down the road.

In the spirit of the Scouts’ “Be Prepared”motto, here are a few self-help tips:

• Air Filter. A clogged or dirty air filter canadversely affect an engine’s performance, sobe sure to inspect this simple-yet-critical ele-ment monthly – it’s usually located under aplastic cover near the front of the enginethat’s fastened by one or more clips. Removethe pleated paper filter and shake it to dis-lodge any loose particulates. Replace it if it’snoticeably dirty. Change the filter every otheryear.

• Battery. A dead battery is one of themost common breakdowns, but it’s also theeasiest to avoid. Check the level of fluid inthe battery once a week during the summerand at least once a month at cooler times ofthe year. Often the battery resides under aremovable plastic cover and is located to theleft or right of the engine. Either remove thebattery caps or look through the small “win-dow” provided for this purpose. If the fluidlevel is low, top it off only with distilledwater. Keep the terminals clear of corrosionusing a soft wire brush dipped in ammoniaor baking soda, then flush with water.Replace the battery every few years.

• Belts. A series of rubber belts operate anengine’s key components and should beexamined regularly. They’re located at thefront of the engine. Look for cracks or loose-ness. There shouldn’t be more than a half-inch of “play” when you press down on thecenter between pulleys; you should hear no“squealing” from the belts when the engine isrunning. Have loose belts tightened andreplace them if they’re frayed or cracked.

• Fluids. Engine coolant, motor oil, andbrake, power steering and transmission fluidsliterally are a vehicle’s lifeblood, and theyshould be changed according to the automak-er’s recommended schedule. In the mean-time, these fluid levels should be checked

periodically and topped off as necessary. Ifany of them are chronically low, have the carchecked by a technician. Even in the mosttightly packed engine compartments fluidcheck and fill points are clearly marked, typi-cally in yellow.

Engine coolant (antifreeze) levels can usu-ally be monitored via a translucent plastic“overflow” reservoir; if necessary top off thecoolant via the plug at the top of this tankand not the radiator cap. Fill as necessary,using a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze andwater; be sure to use the type of coolant spec-ified by the automaker. Have the cooling sys-tem drained and “flushed” at least every 24months.

Check the oil level at each fill-up or everyweek. With the engine off, remove the dip-stick, wipe it dry with a rag or paper towel,insert it and remove it to check the level. Thefluid should come between the two linesscored in the dipstick – often these arelabeled “Full” and “Low.” Add a quart of oilvia the filling point if the level is at or belowthe lower of the two lines. Recheck the levelafter a few minutes.

Inspect the other fluid levels with thechange of season at the least. The powersteering and transmission fluids are checkedvia dipsticks, as detailed above. If low, fillonly with specifically labeled power-steering/automatic transmission fluid – donot use motor oil. To check the brake fluid,locate the reservoir and use a screwdriver torelease the clip at the top of the cylinder, butbe sure to wipe this off before opening toprevent dirt from contaminating the brakefluid. Top it off with fresh brake fluid asneeded.

• Tires. Check the air pressure in the tires– including the spare – weekly, and onlywhen the tires are cold (before driving.) Use agood-quality tire-pressure gauge. Keep theminflated to the maximum pressure recom-mended in the owner’s manual. Check treaddepth periodically by placing a penny headfirst into the tread; if any part of Lincoln’shead is visible, it’s time for new tires (con-temporary tires include built-in tread wearindicators that appear as horizontal stripesrunning perpendicular to the tread whenthey need replacing). Have the tires rotatedonce a year – sooner if they begin to showsigns of uneven wear – according to the man-ufacturer’s instructions. © CTW Features

Childre Nissan is proud to offer the best and most

experienced service technicians in the areaDonald WeeklyNissan Certified TechnicianChrysler Certified TechnicianDodge Certified TechnicianJeep Certified Technician

25 Years Experience

Josh PriceNissan Certified SpecialistElectric Vehicle Certified

13 Years Experience

Chan LucasChevrolet Master TechnicianBuick Master TechnicianGMC Master TechnicianPontiac Master TechnicianCadillac Master Technician

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PaulLeverettService Manager

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GeneralMechanic

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C A R C A R E G U I D E

UPKEEP:HOW TO CHOOSE

A MECHANICMORE OF US – FINGERSCROSSED – ARE KEEPINGOUR CARS LONGER. FOROWNERS WITH AN AGINGVEHICLE TO BABY, AN ABLEMECHANIC CAN BE A BFF

By JAY KOBLENZ CTW FEATURES

Tough economic times have com-pelled many drivers to keep theirrides on the road longer, delayingnew debt for brighter days.Theaverage age of a passenger vehicle

is 10 years and climbing, up 21 percent in thepast 14 years, according to R. L. Polk & Co.

The reluctance to part with our aging autoshas required drivers to pay sharper attention tomatters of service and repair.Although vehiclesare generally more reliable than they once were,higher mileage and the end of warranty periodsraise the stakes. Little problems can quicklybecome major ones. Now more than ever, it’simportant to have the right repair shop foryour vehicle and a great relationship with amechanic. Here’s how to start your search.

NETWORK IN THE NEIGHBORHOODThe top source for finding an honest, fair

and, of course, skilled shop is the recommenda-tion of a friendly neighbor, particularly onewith a vehicle similar to yours. Most peopledon’t want to travel any further than they have

to for the sake of convenience.Those wholive near you probably feel the same. Co-workers may be able to recommend a shopnear your place of work.

When getting a recommendation, ask afew questions.Has that person taken his orher car into the shop more than once? Havethey had services done similar to what youmight need? Did they go to other shopsbefore settling on the one they like best? Amechanic who specializes in quick oilchanges may not be right for an engine over-haul.When someone raves about a particularmechanic, that’s usually a pretty good indica-tion of quality.

SHOP AND COMPAREIt’s best to begin your search for a

mechanic before you need one. Emergenciesaren’t the best time to research and makedecisions. It’s usually best to have minormaintenance or small repairs taken care offirst before committing to a shop for majoror more complex repair work. For major(that is, expensive) work, it’s also a goodidea to shop around and get estimates frommore than one mechanic.

For many people, the ideal place to go forservice is where you bought your car or adealership for the same brand.Auto dealerscertainly have a number of positive attrib-utes:They have a direct source for factory-authorized parts. Unless your car is very old(say, 20 years or more), they are required tohave the proper equipment to perform therepair work.Technicians are required toundergo specific training and there is achain of command should something gowrong or if you have a complaint.

The drawback of the dealership is gener-ally cost. It is usually, although not always,the most expensive place to get service. Formany people, dealerships also may be moregeographically distant.

But the recession has wreaked havoc oncar dealerships.Those that stressed onlysales and had poor service departments areless likely to still be around.Those that sur-vived often did so on the basis of better cus-tomer service.

Independent mechanics can range fromfly-by-night operations to those that startedtheir own business because they have “out-grown” the dealership service department.

READ AND CHECK CREDENTIALSLook for a mechanic with proper training

and certification.The most recognizedorganization for auto mechanics is theNational Institute for Automotive ServiceExcellence. Certified mechanics will almostalways proudly display diplomas, certificatesof training and local documentation, such asa business license and affiliations with localbusiness organizations.Training certificationdemonstrates that the shop owner caresabout maintaining professional standards, animportant aspect in fixing and maintainingincreasingly complex cars and trucks.

Check the Better Business Bureau for pos-sible unresolved complaints against a shop.Look up online forums for your make andmodel of car to find owners willing to shareinformation about known problems.The bet-ter armed you are with information, themore likely it is you will make a good deci-sion.

Read the owner’s manual. It will list main-tenance items and provide valuable informa-tion about your car. For example, if amechanic wants to charge you to change atiming belt, but you already know the carhas a timing chain, it’s time to move on toanother mechanic.

ASK SMART QUESTIONS AND LISTEN UP

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Look for a mechanic who not only can fixyour car but also can explain the situationclearly. Most of the time, a good mechanicwill be a talented communicator. In manyauto dealerships and large shops, though, youmay talk to a service writer who doesn’tactually work on cars. If you have questions,ask to speak to the mechanic who will dothe repair.

Ask about replacement parts.Are theynew or refurbished? Sometimes a less costlyrefurbished part will work just as well, butyou should know what you are getting andwhy. Have the shop save and show you theold parts.

Ask about warranties.A good shop willstand by its work and explain what is and

what is not covered. Be sure to get promisedwarranties in writing.

Don’t be a “price only” shopper.You wantthe best job, not the cheapest one.A goodmechanic will earn his or her wages.Whenthings go beyond your resources, it also isfine to ask if there is a less expensive way tokeep your vehicle on the road.You want amechanic that cares about your budget andyour car.SHOP BODY SHOPS BECAUSE...

Few people think about finding a goodbody shop until the unfortunate day theyneed one.While all cars need mainte-nance, the need for body repair usuallycomes as an unpleasant surprise. In manycases, most of the cost will be paid by an

insurance company. Most insurance com-panies will help you find a qualifiedbody shop and offer some sort of satis-faction guarantee if you choose fromtheir recommendations. However, as thecar owner, you make the ultimate choice.

When comparing body shops, askabout training from I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference On Auto CollisionRepair.You also can ask to see some oftheir work. Look at cars that are nearlyfinished, awaiting customer pickup orsome final trim pieces. See if the colormatches on all panels, whether there isdust in the paint or any rough surfaces.Examine for paint overspray on windowsor moldings.These are all signs of sloppyworkmanship.

Whether for body work or mechanicalrepair, always get full estimates of work

to be done and a time frame for its com-pletion.Ask if the parts are available, andif not, say you will come back when theyarrive. Many repairs can take time andyou may need to set up a rental car forthe duration.

Once the repair is completed, haveeverything explained to you prior to pay-ment. Keep copies of the estimate,receipts and any other paperwork thatwill document what has been done andmay be required before any warranty ishonored.

When you do find that great mechanicor shop, tell your friends.You want thegood ones to stay in business as long aspossible.

© CTW Features

MECHANIC from previous page

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Bill Kent Hyundai opens newstate-of the-art service department

The new service department at Bill Kent Hyundai is now open for busi-ness. The new addition to the local dealership now offers service on GMvehicles with AC Delco parts. Kent invites anyone needing service ontheir vehicle to come visit the new facility located at 2520 NorthColumbia Street.

TIRE SIZEYou will find a number that looks some-

thing like P215/65R15. The “P” means perma-nent. (A “T” would appear on a temporaryspare tire.); 215 is the section width in millime-ters; the 65 is the percentage of the height ofthe tire to its width; the “R” means radial; andthe 15 is the rim diameter size.UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADINGSYSTEM

This will list tread-wear, traction and tem-perature ratings; these are relative ratings, notabsolute. A 100 tread-wear rating should meana tire lasts half as long as one with a 200 rating.The traction rating ranges from AA (best), toA, B and C; it is determined by a 40 mph wet-braking test. Temperature is one of three letters:A (highest), B and C. The letters indicate atire’s resistance to heat, which leads to wear andtire failure.MANUFACTURE DATE

Since 2000, all tires are required to bestamped with the date of manufacture. Listedon the sidewall is a serial number that followsthe letters “DOT.” The last four digits of thisnumber document the week the tire was made.For example, if the last four numbers are 2509,the tire was made during the 25th week of2009. Do not buy tires that have been storedfor a few years, since they do deteriorate overtime.

Few drivers are in a position to actually tryout various tires and directly compare what canbe large differences in noise and ride quality.This is where a trustworthy dealership comesinto play. A good tire dealer can explain the dif-ferences among various brands, why a particu-lar tire might suit you better than another andwhat to know regarding maintenance issues likerotating the tires and balancing the wheels.

Some tire dealers will inflate tires with nitro-gen, not air. This may improve the longevity of

the tire, although drivers will have to return tothat dealership to maintain nitrogen inflation.

Whatever a driver decides, there is one stepof crucial importance in maintaining tires:Check and maintain proper air pressure. Theamount of air pressure is determined not by thetire maker but by the vehicle manufacturer.Improper inflation, low or high, will reduce notjust your tires’ life span but also their safety andperformance.

KEEP ROLLING:

HOW TO BUY NEW TIRES

By JAY KOBLENZ CTW FEATURES

INSTEAD OF AN EXPENSIVE MAINTENANCE COST,

THINK OF IT AS AN AFFORDABLE UPGRADE

Car enthusiasts, at least thosenot on an extremely restrictedbudget, look forward to thenext set of tires. Rather thantrying to find the cheapest way

to cover their wheels in fashionable blackrubber, they view the occasion as an oppor-tunity to improve the performance of theircar. When it comes to automotive enhance-ment, new tires give the best bang for thebuck.

Of all the technology, expense and know-how that goes into a car’s engine, suspensionand other mechanical aspects, it’s all fornaught if a vehicle’s four tires don’t connectwell with the road. A better set of tires canimprove acceleration, handling, ride com-fort and help provide a quieter ride.

And, of course, a new set of high-qualitytires provides an added cushion of safety.

While all tires are black and round withonly some variations in texture and tread, itcan be hard to understand the major differ-ences and massive amounts of technologyinvolved. Inside each tire are variations inbelt materials, construction and materialscompounding.

When most people shop for tires, the toppriority is simply, “How long will they last?”

While there have been sharp improve-ments resulting in tires that can last tens ofthousands of miles, each factor is a compro-mise. Drivers may not want to spend thenext 50,000 miles, or more, riding on noisy,harsh tires that tend to slide in the rain.

No matter how well an owner cares for acar's originally equipped tires, they willeventually wear out. When tread wear barsare visible or the tread is completely gonefrom any spot on the tire, exposing the belt,it is well past the proper time to replace thetire.

Vehicles are originally specified with tiresdetermined to do a specific job. Sports tiresare intended to be able to drive at highspeeds and grip the road when cornering;truck tires are designed to carry heavy loads;and luxury tires must do all tasks well whileproviding a quiet and comfortable ride.

Drivers can find the original tire size list-ed inside the owner’s manual. Generally,keep the same size unless you do a lot ofresearch to determine why a change wouldbe due.

The National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration requires certain informationto be labeled on each tire. Never buy a tirethat lacks the following information:

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By TERESA ODLE CTW FEATURES

We’re keeping today’s cars longer,and when it’s time to sell ortrade in Ol’Betsy, the better shelooks, the more money we getfor her.Regular cleaning of a

car’s exterior and interior keeps it looking newerand helps prevent wear and tear on surfaces.Forexample,bird droppings aren’t just unsightly; they’reloaded with organic acids that can etch into a car’ssurface and damage the paint.“But if you get to itright away, it washes off,”says Mike Schultz, seniorvice president of product development for TurtleWax,Willowbrook, Ill.That’s one of many reasons fora regular car-care routine that includes washing,waxing and interior cleaning.For many car owners,however, it’s all about time,convenience and money.STICK TO CAR PRODUCTS

It’s tempting to use dish or laundry soap to washyour car,but with the exception of glass cleaner anda few carpet and upholstery products, avoid thestuff under the sink and stick with products madespecifically for cars.Other household productsmight contain detergents, abrasives and additivesthat can harm the car’s finish.Plus,automotive prod-ucts are regulated, says Gretchen Schaefer,vice presi-dent of communications for the Consumer SpecialtyProducts Association.“So the label has to instruct theconsumer on the product’s properties,how much todilute the product, to be careful not to let the suds

WASH ON,WAX OFF.

REPEAT

ADDING VALUE:

THE OBSESSIVE OWNER’SGUIDE TO

COMING CLEAN

dry on the car in the sun,et cetera.”Park the car in the shade and get started

with a good car product.Schultz says theredefinitely is a difference in quality the moreyou spend.“Any car wash will work,but a lotof the premium washes have water softenerin them or rich foaming agents that are verygentle to the surface,”he says.These rinse offbetter, and some even have fragrances.

Schultz also recommends starting with thewheels.“It’s the dirtiest job, so get it out of theway first.”He says new big rims are an expres-sion of owners’personalities, and theydeserve some attention.“Using a wheel andtire cleaner is essential because when brakedust builds up, it forms a black coating that isvery difficult to impossible to remove if it sitsthere too long.”

Don’t forget the headlights.They’re impor-

tant not only for looks but safety.New poly-carbonate lenses cloud or yellow,reducingthe amount of light from halogen headlights.Check out auto stores for headlight restora-tion or polishing kits that clear up the lenses.PRODUCT PERFORMANCE

Don’t always choose the cheapest product.A few more dollars on a car care product andsome time could make a difference in trade-invalue.And consider investing in some newitems.You can dry your car with recycledbath towels,but they leave lint and are notalways efficient.Schultz says one of the great-est developments in recent years is theimprovement in microfiber towels.“They do abeautiful job of getting glass streak-free,”hesays.“They also do a great job of removingwax or spray polish.They’re easy to wash orrinse out and are reusable.”

CONVENIENCEAnother convenient way to dry the car is

with the Original California Dry Blade. It’s asilicone squeegee for your car or home thatrecently received an innovation award fromthe International Housewares Association.”Itcan dry your car in one-third the time and hasliterally 15 times less friction on the surfacethan a terry towel,”says Russ Romer,aspokesman for the product.The blade is flexi-ble enough to easily wipe a side-view mirror.

Schultz realizes that for many car owners,time is of the essence and the reason moredon’t follow a regular washing and waxingroutine.One solution is to use a spray waxevery time you wash your car.“You have touse them more often than a liquid or pastebecause they don’t last as long,”he says.Butthey’re quick and easy.Schultz notes a new

Turtle Wax product released a few years agothat works on clear-coat finishes and on theincreasing amount of plastic and rubber incar exteriors.“ICE is a clear synthetic,oil-based formula that can be used on the paint,plastic and rubber trim,”Schultz says.“And itdoesn’t leave a chalky white residue.”

And be sure to include your car’s interior.Schultz reminds car owners that they’re inand out of the car often and that the surfacesare designed not to show grime.Still, it buildsup quickly.Again, stick with car products only,at least for the instrument panel and all plas-tic and leather surfaces.For convenience, lookfor a product that can be used on virtually allinterior surfaces.

And always follow the product labeling,adds Schaefer.“Use the right product for spe-cific purposes, finishes and fabrics.”

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Tidal Wave Auto Spa of Milledgeville

Grand OpeningOctober 15th

present this coupon to attendantcoupon valid Oct. 15th until Oct. 31st

Safe•

Fast •Clean • Easy

Easy-You don’t even have to get out of your car.

Clean-We use the latest state-of-the-art equipment to provide you the best

professional wash in the industry.

Fast-3 Minute Car Wash from start to finish!

Safe- Soft cloth wash is safe for all vehicles and

for the environment (Tidal WaveAuto Spa reclaims and recycle upto 90% of its wash water).

22 Powerful

FREEVacuums for your convenience

Introducing Milledgeville’s Newest Express Car Wash!

C A R C A R E G U I D E

UPKEEP:

CLEAN AND GREEN

“THE WATER RECLAMATION SYSTEM WAS AKEY COMPONENT IN THE DESIGN OF OURNEW CAR WASH IN MILLEDGEVILLE,” SAYSGREG AUTEN WITH TIDAL WAVE AUTO SPA.“THIS ADVANCED SYSTEM ALLOWS US TORECLAIM AND REUSE UP TO 90% OF OURWASH WATER, CREATING AN ENVIRONMEN-TALLY RESPONSIBLE CAR WASH.”

Fuel-efficient hybrids and aflock of new electric vehi-cles just now hitting themarket have captured theimagination of eco-mind-

ed drivers. And for those whoseearth-friendly interests extend to carcare, the options also are expanding.

Some 23 percent of us would likeauto products made with environmen-tally friendly materials, says DavidPortalatin, director of industry analysisfor the NPD Group in Houston. Enterthe green product innovators. Now,drivers who want to stay green whilekeeping their cars clean can choosefrom a burgeoning array of choices.

PAY FOR A GREENER PROFES-SIONAL WASH

The International CarwashAssociation reports that automatic carwashes use less than half the water ofeven the most careful ohome carwasher – about 45 gallons per car ver-sus 80 to 140 gallons for a homewash. And the car wash business isgetting greener. Many use reclamationsystems to reclaim or reuse treatedwater for future washes, and dischargeharmful fluids responsibly.

More than 1,000 car wash compa-nies in the United States and Canadahave signed up for the InternationalCarwash Association’s environmentalrecognition program, calledWaterSavers. To find a recognized car

wash near you go towww.carwash.org, click on “WaterSavers” and use the searchable map.

New car-wash operators are adapt-ing even more environmentally rigor-ous formats. The race is on to claimthe title of the first LEED-certified carwash in the United States and Canada.The Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design program, runby the U.S. Green Building Council,rates buildings that meet the higheststandards for sustainability and conser-vation. The owners of Smart CarWash, under construction inWoodbridge, Va., say they will reclaimand reuse more than 90 percent oftheir wash water; reduce noise andlight pollution; cut power consump-tion by 50 percent; and use earth-friendly detergents.

A mobile car wash company in NewJersey uses the Internet, a tiny SmartFortwo car and a biodegradable water-less cleaner to bring eco-friendly carcleaning direct to a customer’sdoorstep. Customers book appoint-ments online. Keep an eye out for eco-minded car wash providers in yourarea.

DIY – WITH LESS WATERAfter watering the lawn, at-home

car washing accounts for the secondbiggest use of water in the summer.Some 38 percent of car owners washtheir cars in the driveway on average

once every two weeks, according to the InternationalCarwash Association. But detergent- and chemical-ladenwash and rinse water run off right into the hometownstorm drains and flow directly into local waters withoutbeing treated.

To wash your vehicle in a more Earth-friendly way athome:

• Pull the car onto the lawn, if possible, where waswater will drain through soil and gravel.

• Use a green detergent made specifically for cars.• Use a water-saving, low-flow nozzle and shut off water

between sprays.• After a quick spray of water using the hose, rely on a

full bucket of soapy water to wash the car. Spray again torinse the car clean.

•Dispose of the bucket of soapy water in the sink, sothat the wash water will be treated.

WATCH FOR NEW GREEN PRODUCTSA flotilla of green car wash products is hitting store

shelves. Watch for biodegradable, phosphate-free soapsand new “waterless” car wash liquids. If your vehicle isvery muddy, sandy or soiled, it may be necessary to rinsethe vehicle with water before using a waterless liquid.Spray the wash on a micro fiber towel and cool car.Wipe gently and use a dry towel to shine.

Green Seal, a nonprofit that certifies products thatmake environmental claims, keeps a small list of certifiedgreen cleaners on its website. Go to www.greenseal.org,click on “Find a certified product” and select householdcleaning products.

The Consumer Specialty Products Association, agroup representing makers of auto and industrial clean-ers, sponsors a certification program run by theEnvironmental Protection Agency called Design for theEnvironment. Car care products that meet rigorous stan-dards for environmental safety carry the DFE label, suchas a car wash from EarthWell Tech and several fromSimoniz USA. Consumers can search for car cleanersand other products on the EPA’s Design for theEnvironment website: www.epa.gov/dfe.

1897 N. Columbia St.Milledgeville

478.453.8714

Locally Owned •Locally Operated • Convenient Location!

1 2 3

We have been taking care of Milledgeville area vehicles for over

twenty years at Express Wash & Lube. We appreciate all of our loyal

customers and would like to add you to our list if you are not

already a part of our customer base. We would like to share 3

important guidelines in getting the longest life and best perform-

ance from your vehicle.

Change all the fluids

based on the manufacturers

recommendations,ie: oil, transmission,brake, coolant and

power steering.

Rotate andbalance your

tires as recommended

by the tiremanufacturerand keep thetires inflated

properly.

Do routinemaintenance

including tune ups,

timing belts,brakes before

the parts wear out.

And in order to enjoy your well maintained cartake care of its appearance also. Regular carwashes at a professional car wash with a pro-fessional hand wax every six months will keepyour car looking great and you will be proud todrive it no matter how many miles or how manyyears you have owned it.