OCTOBER 2010

A special supplement from Logan area businesses & The Utah Statesman.

Snow tires, antifreeze, winter driving, new cars you need to know about ... it's all here!

Fall& Winter

CAR CARE

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 2

It’s hard to say goodbye to summer, but as every motorist north of the Sun Belt knows, it’s just a matter of time before you’ll be driving on rain-slicked streets, not to mention ice and snow-covered highways. If you’re savvy, you won’t wait for that first flake to melt on your windshield to get your car in shape for winter driving. In fact, the best time to start the process is now. “If vehicles are not adequately prepared for winter, driving can be more stressful and treacherous. To ensure safety and reliability during the upcoming winter months, it’s best to take a proactive approach to preventative maintenance while the temperatures are still mild,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council, part of a consumer campaign to help people be more aware of their cars and the care they need. Unfortunately, according to a study the council

Get ready for winter’s chill with baby stepsconducted, most motorists aren’t ready. More than 70 percent admit that they do not have their cars winterized in preparation for inclement weather, even though below-freezing temperatures can stress out both a vehicle and its driver. If you don’t want to be lumped into that statistic, here are some things you can do now -- and a few you can wait to do before the snow flies: * Stock up: Now is the time to create a winter car emergency kit. It could save your life if you get stuck on the road when the temperature drops. The basics include: -- Jumper cables -- An ice scraper, snow brush and folding shovel -- A flashlight with fresh batteries -- A blanket, hand warmers, extra clothing -- including heavy gloves, a hat, socks and boots -- and a rain poncho -- Candles and safety matches

-- Bottled water and high-energy dried food snacks -- A first aid kit -- Flares, a whistle and tow rope -- Plastic garbage bags, hose bandage, tire sealant and small tools -- including pliers, screwdrivers and a utility knife.

Make sure you have plenty of window washer solvent, too. If you’re going on a long trip or regularly do a lot of distance driving -- especially on less-traveled roads -- you should double up on the snacks, water, blankets and clothing, and be sure to take extra prescription medication in case you face an extended wait for help. Every vehicle should stash two inexpensive plastic “Call Police” or “Call Tow” emergency banners in the glove compartment. They can be placed in the front and rear windows to alert other drivers to your plight. * Check up: Now is also the time to look at all things mechanical and structural on your car -- including the heater, defroster, interior lights, headlights, belts, the exhaust system and the battery and charging system. Have your car put on a lift so that a technician can inspect the trunk and floorboards. They should watch out for small holes that create a pathway for deadly carbon monoxide fumes to enter the passenger compartment. “Also check to see if your spark plugs and battery need replacing. You don’t want to have a stalled vehicle in the dead of winter,” advises a “Preparing For Winter” online advisory

from Mr. Lube Canada at mrlube.com, the Canadian chain of franchised auto service centers. “If your battery is more than two years old, take it to your technician to have the charging system completely checked. Older batteries are less likely to start in winter temperatures than newer ones.” Since cold weather magnifies existing performance problems, you should take the time now to eyeball fuel, air and transmission filters -- or, even better, get a complete tune-up. An inspection of brakes and tires should also be on your must-do list. It’s also a good time to have the car waxed to protect the finish from the elements. If you live in an area subject to sub-zero weather or heavy snow and ice, switch to lighter motor oil for easier start-ups and less wear and tear on the engine. You may also want to replace your regular wipers with a rubber-clad winter version that prevents the snow and ice from clogging the blades. While all-weather tires work well in any climate, if your streets are filled with ice and snow, shift to studded snow tires. — Vicky Katz Whitaker, Creators Syndicate

It may not be cold outside yet, but it’s the perfect time to get started on preparing your car for winter./Creators Syndicate photo

Power control modules.

Rear differentials.

Intake manifold gaskets.

Confused?

It may sound like your

mechanic is speaking a

different language, but with

a little know-how, you can

find common ground.

“Your vehicle is probably

the most important

mechanical device you

have, and the value is only

realized when it’s out of

commission,” said Rick

Jorgensen, general manager

of NAPA Auto Parts in

Goodland, Kan. “If you

can’t communicate with

your repair professional,

if you don’t understand

what your technician is

doing to your vehicle, your

technician is not doing his

job correctly.”

To get the most

from your mechanic,

communication is key.

Don’t be afraid to ask

questions -- a lot of

questions.

“Today’s automobile

is an extremely complex

Ask plenty of good questions to crack the mechanics’ code

machine,” said Joe Erickson,

territory manager for AAA

Mid-Atlantic’s Approved

Auto Repair Network.

“Be informed. Don’t be

afraid to ask detailed

questions, including specific

component names and how

they relate to the repairs.”

What repairs are needed

now? What will happen if

the repairs are not done

now? Does the vehicle need

any further inspection or

disassembly? Are there any

preventative repairs needed

at this time? What will the

repair cost when finished?

How long will the repair

take?

Forget about overkill.

The more questions you

ask, the more information

you have to make informed

decisions about your

vehicle’s care.

“Most technicians

are extremely good at

explaining why repairs are

recommended or needed.

If you’re not sure what your

technician is telling you,

stop them and ask them

until you feel comfortable,”

Erickson said.

It also helps to have a

basic understanding of key

automotive repair terms.

Read the owner’s manual

and know the following:

* Malfunction Indicator

Light (MIL): Also known as

the “check engine” light,

the MIL lights up when one

or more monitored systems

send improper information

to the vehicle’s computers.

Make a mental note when

the light comes on, and see

your technician as soon as

possible.

* Power Control

Module (PCM) and Body

Control Module (BCM):

These internal computers

monitor performance and

help mechanics make an

accurate diagnosis as to

what repairs are needed.

* Preventive

maintenance: This refers

to basics like oil changes,

cooling system flushes and

transmission service. The

owner’s manual will outline

a suggested maintenance

schedule. Stick to it -- and

keep good records. Your

mechanic may want to

know when your car was

last serviced.

* Needed vs.

Recommended Service:

Needed repairs indicate

one or more components

have failed, and chances

are you won’t get very far

without addressing the

problem. Recommended

repairs are based on

manufacturer mileage

guidelines or a pending

component failure.

If you’re having trouble

making a connection with

your mechanic, review the

estimate with a customer

service representative

who can explain the

complex details in easy-to-

understand terms.

“A good repair facility

will have people who are

good at communicating

with the lay person and

explaining what needs to

be done to your car and

why,” Jorgensen said.

That being said,

communication is two-way

street. To get the most

information from your

mechanic, they need plenty

of information from you.

“People are afraid of

being taken by their repair

person, so they don’t want

to appear that they do not

know what’s going on,”

Jorgensen said.

However, a good

mechanic will know when

you’re bluffing, so be

honest.

“Be specific. No one knows

your vehicle the way you

do,” he said. “Every little

detail will help the repair

person find out what is

wrong.”

Be prepared to

answer questions like the

following:

* When did the problem

initially begin?

* When does the

malfunction occur? Does it

occur when the car is idle

or moving?

* Does the problem

occur at high speeds or in

stop-and-go traffic?

* Is it an isolated

event? For example, does

it occur only when the air

conditioning is running?

* If the car won’t run, is

the starter turning over the

engine?

* Are there any odd

sounds coming from the

vehicle?

Above all else, take

your time. Be patient in

your efforts to understand

your mechanic, and don’t

hesitate to hit the Internet

for additional information.

“If you have any

reservations, don’t be

afraid to hold off on repair

approval until you’ve had

a chance to do some

research and collect your

thoughts,” Erickson said.

Shop Talk:

You may not feel like you speak the same language as your mechanic, but asking questions will help you get there./Creators Syndicate photo

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 3

Automakers put comfort, convenience in the driver’s seat If you’re looking for

luxury, you’ve found

it. From theater-quality

sound systems and built-

in refrigerators to virtual

dashboards and warnings

for distracted drivers, the

auto world’s latest high

tech offerings put comfort,

convenience and safety in

the driver’s seat.

“On the whole,

innovations continue to

capture the attention and

imagination of buyers,”

said Elliot Darvick, manager

of programming at

Autobytel.com, a leading

consumer automotive site.

The latest gadgets and

gear don’t come cheap

-- and many are available

only on luxury models

-- but if you’re looking

to wow your passengers

and make that morning

commute a bit more

bearable, check out what

automakers have in store

for 2010.

MOVIE THEAT ER SOUND “To our amazement, the

sound system arms race

continues,” Darvick said.

The new 2010 Jaguar XJ

has an astonishing 1,200-

watt audio system, with 20

high-end speakers routed

through 15 channels of

audio processing. To the lay

person, that means theater-

quality sound on your

favorite radio station or a

portable screening room in

your back seat.

“The Jaguar sound

system is a pretty incredible

option,” Darvick said.

“While parked, you will

actually be able to watch

a DVD in 7.1 surround

sound.”

On the other end of

the spectrum, Bose has

developed its Energy

Efficient Series set to debut

in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

The system combines lighter

and smaller components

with a power system that

uses half the energy without

sacrificing sound quality.

“It’s a refreshing step

in a different direction for

sound systems, which have

generally been on a tear to

The latest technology provides unique amenities for your vehicle, such as the Ford Flex’s fridge./Creators Syndicate photo

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 4

see who can utilize the most

wattage possible,” Darvick

explained.

VIRTUAL DASHBOARDS The Mercedes S-Class

was the first to feature a

virtual dashboard, and

in 2010, the Land Rover

Range Rover and the Jaguar

XJ jump on board with this

pioneering technology.

In the new Range Rover,

for example, a 12-inch LCD

screen, with virtual dials and

a digital information display,

replace the traditional

instrument panel. Drivers

can customize the screen to

suit their needs, displaying

everything from phone

and audio information to

GPS navigation and climate

control.

“It offers great flexibility

for presenting information

to the driver,” Darvick said.

Mercedes, Land Rover

and Jaguar all have plans

to unveil dual-view screens

in 2010 as well, though it’s

unclear if the technology

will be enabled for the

U.S. market due to safety

regulations.

“This technology allows

the driver to look at the

center LCD screen and see

a GPS navigation map while

a passenger can look at the

same screen and, from their

vantage, see a DVD movie

playing,” Darvick explained.

CRASH PREVENTION “With regards to safety,

active pre-crash mechanisms

are only growing,” Darvick

said.

The new Mercedes E-

Class sedan will feature a

system to detect imminent

collisions and apply up to

100 percent of the braking

power to reduce the impact

-- even at highway speeds.

Lexus, BMW and Acura

offer similar systems, and

Volvo’s City Safety system

aids drivers in preventing

low speed accidents like

rear-end collisions in stop-

and-go traffic.

A word of warning,

though: This new

technology could send

repair bills sky high.

“While we welcome the

advancement of technology

that can detect and mitigate

accidents, we cringe when

we think about the cost

of replacing a bumper

that also features cameras,

radar, night-vision and

other technology, so be

prepared to take this into

consideration,” Darvick said.

ATTENTION ASSISTANCE Mercedes also aims to

prevent driver drowsiness.

The new Attention Assist

system, which comes

standard on the 2010

E-Class, uses smart

programming to monitor

driver behavior based on 70

parameters. When it senses

fatigue, it sends an alert. In

other words, no more falling

asleep at the wheel.

“We like the Attention

Assist because it pairs

vehicle hardware that

serves other purposes with

programming to combat

a large problem -- driver

fatigue,” Darvick said.

THE FLEX FRIDGE Forget the cooler. The

new Ford Flex features

a built-in refrigerator to

chill out on the go. Unlike

systems that merely keep

drinks cool, this rear-

seat console runs off a

compressor just like the

fridge in your kitchen.

Capable of chilling a

room temperature six-pack

of soda to 41 degrees in

just a few hours, this is

a smart option for avid

tailgaters, campers and road

trip enthusiasts.

In freezer mode, the

unit drops the temperature

to 23 degrees, and it’s

insulated to keep items cold

even when the car is not

running. — Chandra Orr,

Creators Syndicate

When you have lemons, make lemonade -- or so the saying goes. It may be tried and true for some of life’s roadblocks, but not every sour situation has such a sweet outcome. When it comes to buying a car and finding out it’s a lemon, the circumstances result in more than just a bad taste in the mouth. How do you know if you have a lemon, and what can you do about it if you do? How do you avoid buying one in the first place? A lemon, purely as it relates to cars, is “a vehicle that has a defect that cannot be repaired within a reasonable amount of time or amount of repairs,” according to Marshall Meyers, managing partner for Weisberg & Meyers, a law firm specializing in lemon law litigation headquarted in Arizona. Defects that determine whether a car is a lemon

include: considerable problems caused by the manufacturer jeopardizing safety, affecting the market value of the car and the ability to use the vehicle. Recurring brake problems or doors that don’t operate properly due to manufacturer error are examples of this. The owner of a lemon can be compensated with a refund or a car replacement if it is covered under law. It’s important to research both state and federal laws to know for sure. “State remedies offer refunds or replacements from use, market value or safety defects, and federal remedies provide cash compensation from diminished value,” Meyers said. Each state has its own rules regarding what qualifies, but generally the car shouldn’t be older than 30 months as of the retail

delivery date. There are also mileage limitations. For some states, once a car has three repairs for a problem under warranty, it may be fit for lemon territory. It is even possible a used car will be covered. First, find out what qualifies as a lemon where you live. Carlemon.com provides lemon law summaries and statutes for each state, as well as information on the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, enacted in 1975, which “makes breach of warranty a federal law.” If the car doesn’t qualify as a lemon in your state, the site lays out other resources that will help. Meyers recommended documenting all repairs in order to have a case. “If you have a problem you can’t fix, bring it in for repairs and keep records,” he said. “That’s the purpose of a warranty -- to help repair

your car.” Make sure all documentation is accurate and the problems written by both the vehicle owner and dealership are detailed and consistent. Keep all

logs of repairs or random breakdowns, noting mileage and exactly what happened. These are the basis of determining and filing a car

LEMONS, NOT LEMONADE: Protect yourself from a defective vehicle

YSee LEMONADE, page 7

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 5

If your car -- and the dealer who sold it to you -- has gone the way of cheap gas, sidewalk pay phones and service station attendants, don’t fret. No matter how troubled the U.S. automotive industry may seem, finding an identical replacement part for a piece of your vehicle’s original equipment will be relatively easy for a long time to come -- even if individual models and entire lines seem to have been dumped at breakneck speed. That should bring some relief to Pontiac and Hummer buyers whose vehicles have been added to a growing list brands that have been

disappearing almost as fast at the dealerships that sold them. Several thousand dealerships, along with their service and parts departments, have been shut in the United States and Canada since the beginning of 2009. While the wave of bankruptcies, restructuring and belt tightening has forced car makers like General Motors and Chrysler to phase out models or drop entire lines, “there’s an ample supply of parts,” for now and in the foreseeable future, said Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com. It also means that you can rest easy if you

opted for an extended manufacturer’s warranty when you bought your car or purchased one just before the standard factory warranty expired. The parts will be there for as long as your warranty holds out, automotive insiders believe. For consumers, the fallout from the massive fiscal issues faced by the industry may seem scary, but in reality the impact on the average car owner will be minimal when it applies to their being able to replace worn or broken car parts with original equipment. That’s because many parts are interchangeable between many brands and models made by the same

manufacturer. Air filers, brake pads, and rotors on some discontinued Pontiac models, for example, can be replaced with identical parts used in some Chevrolets, since both vehicles are made by General Motors. It may be quite different if you bought a limited production vehicle. That decision could cost you more, and even more if you need to replace an original part with an exact duplicate once the warranty has run out. It may still be available, but because of the limited number of vehicles produced, it will be at a premium. “It’s just going to cost an arm and a leg,” Toprak said. If you’re like most auto

owners and independent repair shops, you’ll turn to after-market parts -- those made for your car but not by the car manufacturer. The quality of parts can vary. While it’s not the only measure, savvy automotive parts buyers recommend judging by the price of the part. Automotive replacement parts fall into one of three categories, says the United States Federal Trade Commission: * New: Parts made to the original specs, either by the vehicle manufacturer or an independent company. * Remanufactured, Rebuilt and Reconditioned:

Will you find parts if your car has been discontinued?

YSee PARTS, page 12

SALT LAKE CITY, October 11, 2010 – The season of snow, rain, fog, and weather-related auto accidents is upon us. In preparation, AAA Utah urges motorists to get their vehicles ready for the upcoming fall and winter weather to reduce their chances of being stranded in the cold. “Although summer auto crashes are more often fatal, fall and winter have the highest number of weather-related crashes, deaths and injuries,” reports Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. “The combination of poorly maintained vehicles and driver error, along with loss of visibility and slick roads, causes thousands of preventable crashes each year.” There are many ways to help prepare your car for winter driving. Antifreeze Protection A 50/50 solution of engine coolant and water will provide the necessary antifreeze capability. Don’t Forget—Check hoses: Visually inspect the cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, feel the hoses to see if any are brittle or if any of them have an excessively soft and spongy feeling. Don’t Forget—Flush cooling system: Motorists should have the

cooling system flushed and new coolant installed as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Depending on the type of coolant used, it may be necessary every two to five years. Electrical System The efficiency of a vehicle battery decreases in colder temperatures. Heading into cold weather, have the vehicle’s battery condition tested, especially if the battery is older than three years (AAA Mobile Battery Service will test members’ auto batteries at no charge). If the battery has removable caps, make sure the cells are filled to the proper level with distilled water and that all cable connections are tight and that the terminals and clamps are free of corrosion. Don’t Forget—Alternator belt: While the battery provides a reserve source of electrical energy, the alternator provides electrical power once the engine is running and it charges the battery. Make sure the alternator belt is properly adjusted. A loose belt is a common cause of a dead battery. While older vehicles require manual belt tightening, late models typically have automatic tensioners—but those can wear out or fail. Also inspect the alternator belt for signs of wear, such as cracks or missing

segments on its ribbed underside. Windshield Check the windshield fluid reservoir before the first freeze of the year and use a windshield cleaning solution with antifreeze components. Also, check the operation of the pump and the aim of the sprayers. Don’t Forget—Winter wiper blades: Make sure that wiper blades are completely clearing the windshield glass with each swipe. If there are streaks or missed spots, it’s time to replace them. During the snow season, consider installing winter wiper blades. These special units wrap the blade in a rubber boot that prevents ice and snow buildup between the glass and blade. Tires If any tire has less than 3/32-inches of tread, it should be replaced. All-season tires work well in light to moderate snow conditions, providing they have adequate tread depth. In areas with heavy winter weather, using snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. Don’t Forget—Tire pressure: While motorists should check the pressure in their tires at least once a month, they should increase the frequency during winter months. As the temperature starts to

drop, so will the pressures in the tires—typically 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be found on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb. Also, don’t forget to check the pressure in the spare. Brakes Brakes that already tend to grab or pull on a dry road are likely to lock on ice or snow-covered pavement, resulting in a loss of stopping power and/or steering control. Make sure brakes are in properly working order before winter weather arrives. Don’t Forget—Brake fluid flush: Brake fluid absorbs water that collects at low points in the hydraulic system and causes rust, fluid leaks and even brake failure. On vehicles with antilock brakes, moisture in the brake fluid also can damage expensive electro-hydraulic control units. Most manufacturers recommend that the brake system be flushed and new fluid installed every two to three years. Check the owner’s manual for the recommended service interval. While some do-it-yourselfers might check these items themselves, others can find guaranteed, professional maintenance and repair service

Avoid a tow in rain or snow this winter — AAA offers seasonal safety tips

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 6

YSee AAA, page7

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$15 State Inspections

as a lemon. The owner needs to be in charge and aware of

what is documented.

“You must describe an unfixed defect the same, each

time you take the vehicle in for repair, and you must make

sure that your complaint is written on the repair order,”

states carlemon.com. It also offers a vehicle repair log with

detailed sections to fill, from price and odometer readings

to problem descriptions and vehicle information.

After documenting the car’s repair history, an informal

dispute resolution through the manufacturer is an option a

consumer may take. However, according to Steve Solomon,

author of “The Good, the Bad and the Rest: State Lemon

Laws and Protection for Consumers,” from the journal of

the American Bar Association, “The major criticisms of

manufacturer-funded dispute programs are that they are

comparable to the ‘wolf guarding the chicken coop,’ and

that the results are more protective of car makers than of

the consumer.”

Alternatively, you may consider hiring an attorney who

works on lemon law cases and taking the manufacturer

to court. The attorneys are paid by the manufacturer, not

the consumer, so they have the consumer’s interests in

mind. Take advantage of consultations. Some websites

provide resources to find attorneys for each state, such as

lemonlawyers.net.

Always be aware of state Lemon Laws before purchasing

your next vehicle. Some states don’t honor leased vehicles

or have lemon laws that are more business friendly as

opposed to consumer friendly. Make sure a used car dealer

provides a CARFAX report and documentation alerting the

consumer about a lemon car.

Pay attention to anything that seems “off.” If it’s a

new car with low miles at a used car dealership, it may be

a lemon. As Meyers said, “If it’s too good to be true, it

probably is.”

If you pay attention before your next car purchase and

keep detailed documentation of repairs, your lemons may

turn into lemonade after all.— Lauren Baumbauer, Creators Syndicate

YLemonade From page 4

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 7

at a AAA Approved

Auto Repair facility. AAA

Northern California,

Nevada and Utah has

nearly 600 Approved Auto

Repair facilities that can

help make vehicle check-

ups, maintenance, and

repairs more convenient

and trouble-free, while

keeping your car in good

condition. The work at

AAA Approved Auto

Repair shops is guaranteed.

To find a shop near you

visit www.aaa.com/carcare

or call (800) 645-4288.

AAA Utah offers a wide

array of automotive, travel,

insurance, DMV, financial

services and consumer

discounts to more than

175,000 members. AAA

has been a leader and

advocate for the safety

and security of all travelers

since it was founded more

than 100 years ago.

YAAA From page 6

M & M Auto Care

1650 N 100 W Logan, UT 84341(435) 753-0211

Regular Price $17

$12 State Inspection

Expires 12/31/2010

If you equate

an economy car as

synonymous with

deprivation, think again.

Costing less than $15,000,

some of the new models

are not only affordable

-- they’re roomy, peppy and

downright hip.

You need to do your

homework before buying,

though. Selecting the right

car for your needs and

lifestyle, especially one you

can afford, is paramount

according to two of the

nation’s automobile experts:

Jack Nerad, executive

editorial director of Kelley

Blue Book, and George

Peterson, president and

founder of AutoPacific, an

automotive research firm.

“Buying a new car is

kind of like going through a

cafeteria line. Your eyes are

bigger than your stomach.

Everybody aspires to more

than they can afford,” said

Nerad. “You have to assess

Economy cars are now hip and fun ... and affordablethe finances -- the down

payment and the monthly

payment -- and also decide

how long you’re going

to keep the car. Will it be

worth it when you want to

sell?”

Peterson concurred. “You

should definitely check out

major car research sites

for consumers, including

the Kelley Blue Book at

kbb.com and Edmunds.

com,” he added. He

also advised looking at

credible automobile awards

programs such as those

based on consumer surveys

conducted by J.D. Power and

Associates and AutoPacific.

Regardless of your

ultimate choice, when you

buy an economy car you

can be assured you are

basically getting a vehicle

that will pass every federal

safety and emissions

standard, Nerad said.

Asked what they

considered a few of the top

new economy cars on the

road today, the auto experts

both included the Nissan

Versa and the Toyota Yaris.

Dubbed “the cheapest

car in America” by U.S.

News & World Report,

the most stripped-down

Versa 1.6 sedan can retail

for less than $10,000.

It features a five-speed

manual transmission, no air

conditioning and no power

windows, but it gets 26

miles per gallon in town and

36 mpg on the highway.

For about $3,000 more,

the subcompact Yaris sedan

gives you air conditioning

and 36 mpg on the open

road.

The Ford Focus S also

was mentioned by the auto

gurus, although the price

is slightly above $15,000.

Basing their rankings on

nearly four dozen published

reviews and test drives, the

U.S. News & World Report’s

Automotive Rankings &

Reviews recently gave

the Ford Focus “Good”

or “Very Good” ratings

for performance, exterior,

interior and reliability, and

an “Excellent” for safety.

The Honda Fit, at just

slightly under $15,000,

ranks top in its class in

safety features and has

been lauded for its spacious

interior and cargo capability.

It was also rated as the top

economy car in a recent

consumer opinion survey

taken by AutoPacific.

While many economy

cars offer little in the way

of high-tech gadgetry,

Nerad cited the Kia Soul

as offering some fun extras

generally found only in

more expensive vehicles.

Under $13,500, “the

KIA Soul is a pretty cool

car,” he said. The exterior

appearance of this “box”

car belies a popular high-

tech entertainment system

within. Here you’ll find

an iPod compatible USB

that allows you to play

favorite music with on-

voice command, which is

standard on the base model.

Bluetooth hands-free phone

capability and steering

wheel audio controls also

come standard in the Soul

Plus, which still comes in

under $15,000.

The diminutive Smart

Car also received a mention

from Nerad. Built by

Mercedes-Benz, the golf

cart-sized automobile is

noteworthy for its ease of

slipping into unbelievably

small spaces and for getting

33 mpg in the city and 41

mpg on the highway. The

Smart Fortwo Pure listed

price is less than $12,000,

YSee ECONOMY, page 11

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 8

If you’re of a certain age or older, a part of growing up meant becoming at least somewhat familiar with performing basic maintenance on your car. It wasn’t enough to be able to change a flat or replace the wiper blades. Almost all high school students (at least the males) had to take an auto shop class, which would teach you the basics of maintaining a car and how to perform common roadside repairs. Many high schools eliminated auto shop classes from their curriculum long ago, and the complicated technology that controls just about every system in today’s cars can be intimidating to the average car owner. We don’t even change the oil ourselves anymore -- a simple task many people used to do in their garage, before drive-through oil changes became popular in the early

1980s. Cars last much longer now and suffer far fewer breakdowns, resulting in a more hands-off attitude toward preventive maintenance for many car owners. However, preventive maintenance is actually more important than ever, warned David Rogers, chief operating officer of Keller Bros. Auto in Littleton, Colo., and founder of mondaymorningmechanic.com. “Today’s cars are very different in the fact that their tolerances are much less than our previous cars for a lack of maintenance. Conversely, if you do the maintenance, today’s cars will last quite a bit longer that we’re used to a car lasting,” Rogers said. One thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of checking the tires regularly. Check

the air pressure at least once a month -- a decal on the inside of the driver’s side door will list the proper pressure. Forget using the tire gauge found on many air hoses at gas stations -- many give inaccurate readings after being dropped or run over. Rogers recommended getting a dial tire gauge, one that has a speedometer-like meter. They’re the most accurate and usually sell for less than $10 -- and unlike the new, fancy gauges with digital readouts, they don’t run on batteries that tend to die off at the worst possible time. Also, check the tire pressure before driving, while the tires are cold. Checking tire treads is even easier. Take a

It’s all about protection -- for yourself and for those you come in contact with. You are responsible for any damage you may cause while driving your car, and a good insurance policy can protect you, your family and the things you’ve worked hard to have. But how much protection do you need, and what can you do if you can’t afford it? Most states have minimum guidelines regarding insurance, and carrying insurance is mandatory in most of the United States. (Alaska has several territories where insurance is only required for registered vehicles, and registration is not mandatory.) Minimum limits vary from state to state -- Florida requires minimum bodily damage per person of $10,000, while Texas requires $20,000. Vermont mandates minimum property damage coverage of $10,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident, while South Carolina requires $25,000. In the “Anatomy of an Auto Policy,” distributed by State Farm Insurance Company in Bloomington, Ill., customers are advised, “When shopping for insurance, it’s important to look at more than the total cost. Become familiar with the amount and type of coverage that is being offered. “Also, note what isn’t being covered, who is covered while driving your vehicle and the quality of customer service in the event of an accident. The bottom line is that you should understand

your policy and buy the amount of insurance you think you need.” There are some basic terms you need to know about automobile insurance when picking your policy. Each provide coverage for different elements of an accident: * Bodily Injury Liability -- Covers claims and lawsuits by people injured as a result of an accident you cause. * Property Damage Liability -- Used in claims and lawsuits for property damaged as a result of an accident you cause. * Personal Injury Protection -- Coverage for injuries sustained in an automobile accident by you or other persons covered under your policy. * Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage -- This pays for property damage or bodily injury if you are in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist (a driver who does not have the minimum level of insurance required by law) or a driver who is insured, but who has less coverage than your underinsured motorist coverage. * Collision -- Covers damage to your vehicle as the result of a collision with another car or other object. * Comprehensive -- This is used for damage to your vehicle that is not a result of a collision, such as theft of your car, vandalism, flooding, fire or a broken windshield. It also pays if you collide with an animal. Most coverages, particularly those that ensure damages to someone else will be paid, are mandatory. In some states, additional underinsured motorist

Protection while driving includes insurance

coverage is optional. Collision and comprehensive is almost always at the buyer’s discretion -- however, if your vehicle is financed, it may be a requirement of the finance company. There are other optional coverages that are nice to have, such as rental reimbursement in the event your vehicle is damaged in an accident. When it comes to picking your policy, Becky McMenomy, a licensed agent with Ike Tolks in Petaluma, Calif., said, “To know what liability limits a person should carry, they need to do a quick financial analysis to determine what assets they have that can be at risk in a lawsuit -- equity in a home, savings, even their paycheck. A person should

have higher liability limits than their assets.” Variables such as age, gender, personal driving history, region, the car itself and even the driving records of others with the same risk factors will play an important part in premium rates. “If a person can’t afford what they think they need, I work with my policyholders and prospects to find coverage they can afford,” she said. “We can use higher deductible options, lower liability limits and take off any fringe coverages. Then we can increase things back up to where they should be as the customer can afford to.”— Chelle Cordero, Creators Syndicate

Preventative maintenance is an easy money saver

YSee PREVENTATIVE, page 11

Insurance is vital in protecting yourself and your assets, but the price can go up with senior and younger drivers./Creators Syndicate

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 9

A hybrid or not a hybrid? That is the question Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most people make in their lives, so it’s only natural to take the time to weigh your options carefully. The unlimited amount of choices that car buyers face can be overwhelming -- black or red, sedan or SUV, import or domestic, new or used, shop online or visit a car lot. Now another question has come up for potential car buyers: What about a hybrid? The concept is simple, yet the results are significant. A hybrid has a gasoline engine just like you would find in any car, but it also has a battery-powered electric motor. There’s no need to plug in the car to recharge the batteries -- the gasoline engine provides the power. Hybrids also generate electricity from the heat that comes from the brakes, a process called regenerative braking. When the car is rolling along at slower speeds, typically up to 25 miles per hour, the electric motor does the driving without

taking a sip from the gas tank. The motor turns itself off when the car comes to a stop, when a traditional car would sit idling, burning gas and fouling the air. As the car picks up speed, the gasoline engine begins to take over, the electric one shuts down and the batteries recharge. This results in miles per gallon numbers previously unheard of. Hybrids average around 40 to 45 mpg, with some peaking around 50 during optimal driving conditions -- typically stop-and-go driving around a city when the car would be powered entirely by electricity. Burning less fuel not only means spending less money, it also results in less exhaust fumes being released into the atmosphere. “Buying a fuel-efficient vehicle is a great way to minimize your personal carbon footprint,” said Jim Kliesch, a senior engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists. While saving money and

polluting less should sound appealing to everyone, driving habits determine whether it makes sense to go hybrid. A driver that spends most of the time on the highway or long stretches of country roads wouldn’t be a good candidate, since the electric motor would be off most of the time. The hybrid is a city slicker, ideal for drivers that encounter a lot of stop signs, red lights and traffic jams. Knowing that you’re not burning gas when you’re sitting in traffic makes an unpleasant experience a little less painful. The first hybrid that arrived on the U.S. market was the Honda Insight, a small two-seater that had limited appeal to American drivers, who love their big cars and SUVs. It wasn’t until Toyota unveiled the Prius and gas prices began to rise that drivers began to take notice. Unlike the Insight, the Prius is a sedan, with four seats and a larger trunk. Now on its third generation, Toyota’s main hybrid dominates the

market. “They made the vehicle not only more fuel efficient, but slightly larger and slightly more powerful, letting the consumer have the cake and eat it too,” Kliesch said. Improving technology has also made the sticker price more comparable to a traditional car, according to Brian Moody, road test editor for Edmunds.com. “The price difference used to be significant, and now that cost has come down

somewhat,” he said. Drivers considering a hybrid now have a larger selection to choose from. The Prius is king, but Honda still has the Insight, an inexpensive option that has recently been revamped. If driving performance is a major factor, the Toyota Camry is a step up. The electric motor is actually a little quicker, Moody said, and the switch to the gasoline engine is seamless. Lexus hybrids offer more comforts and accessories, like leather seats and a 14-speaker stereo. Even drivers that don’t want to give up their SUVs have an option, with the Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade the best-known SUV hybrids, according to Moody. They’re too big to run on the electric motor only, but they offer better mileage than the traditional models. “The Tahoe can get around 20 mpg, which is pretty good for the type of car that it is,” Moody said. Hybrids are an option to consider, but Moody said that it still pays to compare. “There are several out there, but make sure that the price that’s paid is not significantly more than what you could get a similar car for.” — Tom Roebuck, Creators Syndicate

Hybrids, such as the Honda Insight, have been popular for many

years. But are they the right choice for you?./Creators Syndicate

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 10

AAA Utah is encouraging motor-ists to keep their eyes on the road as part of Heads Up Driving Week. That means keeping the cell phone locked in the trunk, skipping the drive-thru, and not playing DJ with the radio.“It only takes an instant for a crash to occur. In fact, a study by AAA found that the odds of being involved in a crash, or a near crash, double when drivers look away from the road in front of them for two seconds or longer,” said AAA Utah spokesperson Rolayne Fairclough. “We hope that by driving distraction-free for a week, which allows people to have their heads up and focused on the road, drivers will end up picking up the habit for life.” A new study by the AAA Founda-tion for Traffic Safety shows that 52 percent of drivers say they feel less safe on the roads now than they did five years ago. The leading reason for that sense of unease is distracted driv-

ing. Eighty-eight percent of motorists rate drivers who text and email as a very serious threat to their safety.AAA’s Heads Up Driving Week is from September 26 to October 2. AAA offers the following tips to minimize distractions: •Stow electronic devices. Turn off your phone before you drive so you won’t be tempted to use it while on the road. You could also pull over to a safe place to talk on the phone or to send and receive text messages or emails. •Prepare kids and pets for the trip. Get the kids safely buckled in and situated with snacks and enter-tainment before you start driving. If needed, pull off the road to safely care for them or pets. •Satisfy that craving off the road. Eat meals and snacks before driving, or stop for an eating break. •Get your vehicle road-ready. Adjust seat positions, climate controls,

sound systems and other devices before you leave, or while your vehicle is stopped, and store loose gear. Make sure your headlights are spotless so you can see everything on the road and other drivers can see you prop-erly. •Dress for success before you get in the car. Your car isn’t a dressing room. Brush your hair, shave, put on make-up, and tie your necktie before you leave or once you reach your destina-tion. •Enlist passengers. Ask a passenger to help you with activities that may be distracting. AAA Utah offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 175,000 members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.

AAA Utah wants undistracted drivers

with keyless entry and a rear window defroster as part

of the package. You’ll also get a glass roof, sport steering

wheel, CD player and power heated side mirrors when you

buy the Smart Fortwo Passion, listed at just under $14,000.

While “rakish,” “well appointed” and “loaded with high-

tech gadgets” may not be the best descriptors for most of

the autos in the economy class, many a buyer is content,

and maybe a bit smug, with his or her smaller, less opulent

choice in this recession-squeezed period. Driving a new

car you can afford while getting up to 41 miles per gallon

can be extraordinarily satisfying. — Valerie Lemke, Creators

YPreventative

From page 9

penny and hold it at its base, and insert it into the tread

upside down, with Lincoln’s head leading the way. If any

part of his head disappears into the tread, it is still deep

enough. If you can see any part above his head, it’s time

to replace the tire. This should be done monthly.

While you’re at it, take care of your windshield wiper

blades by cleaning them with a cotton ball and rubbing

alcohol, which will remove the oil and grease that ruins

the rubber. It only takes a few minutes and will make the

blades last for years.

When the time comes to find a mechanic, Rogers

recommended finding an ASE-certified technician that

has been approved by AAA and the Better Business

Bureau, and will let you into the garage to inspect

fluid samples taken during a scheduled maintenance.

He dismissed the idea that insurance policies prohibit

customers from going into service areas.

“Get to know your fluids. Understand what they

should look like,” he said. “You need to find a shop that

will let you in the back and pull those fluid samples in

front of you and show you what they are.”

After they pull the fluids, a simple chart makes it

easy to see if any need changing. Fluid levels should be

checked monthly, and can be done by anyone who can

pop the hood, according to Mike Calkins, manager of

AAA Approved Auto Repair.

“Check your engine oil level with the dipstick. Today

the engine coolant, the brake fluid [and] the power

steering fluid typically have translucent plastic reservoirs

with markings right on them. You just see if it’s low or

high,” Calkins said.

Air filters are still easily accessible with nothing more

than a screwdriver. Lightly knocking it on a hard surface

can dislodge larger pieces of debris. Holding it up to a

light will let you know if it needs to be replaced.

“Fifty percent or more restricted, then it’s time for

a new air filter,” Calkins said. —Tom Roebuck, Creators Syndicate

YEconomy

From page 8

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Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 11

Parts have been restored to

sound working condition.

* Salvage: Parts taken

from another vehicle

without alteration.

If you plan to use parts

supplied by a local auto

repair shop, check your

state laws. They may require

the shop to tell you if non-

original parts will be used

in the repair, the FTC points

out. “Prices and quality of

these parts vary,” it cautions,

adding that salvage auto

parts, usually garnered from

junkyards, may be your

only option for some items

you need to repair your car.

“Their reliability is seldom

guaranteed.”

To the benefit of

today’s car owners, after-

market auto parts are more

available now then they

were just a decade or two

ago, a reflection of both

the growth of the Internet

and the emergence of

giant national and regional

auto supply retailers such

as Auto Zone, Pep Boys,

NAPA, Advance Auto Parts,

O’Reilly, the U.S. Autoparts

Network, rockauto.com and

the granddaddy of auto

parts suppliers, JC Whitney

-- where you can still order

a part for a 1928 Model T

Ford or a six-figure 2009

Bentley Arnage. — Vicky Katz Whitaker, Creators Syndicate

YFinding parts

From page 6

Fall CAR CARE, 2010 Page 12