March 17, 2015

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As winter slowly winds down, many gardeners can-not wait to soak up the springtime sun and get their hands dirty in the garden. Such excitement is not just good for gardeners, but can benefit the garden in the months to come as well.

Late winter or early spring is a great time to get a head start on the gardening season. Even if gardening season is still around the corner, completing the fol-lowing projects can ensure your garden gets off on the right foot.

Clear debrisOne of the best things you can do for your garden as

winter winds down is to clear it of debris. Winter can be especially harsh on a landscape, and gardens left to the elements are often filled with debris once spring arrives. Dead leaves, fallen branches, rocks that surfaced dur-ing the winter frost, and even garbage that might have blown about in winter winds can all pile up in a garden over a typical winter. Clearing such debris likely won't take long, but it's a great first step toward restoring the garden before the time comes to plant and grow the garden once again.

Examine the soilSoil plays a significant role in whether a garden

thrives or struggles. Examining the soil before the sea-son starts can help gardeners address any issues before they plant. Ignoring the soil until a problem arises can turn the upcoming gardening season into a lost oppor-tunity, so test the soil to determine if it has any nutrient or mineral deficiencies.

This may require the help of a professional, but if a problem arises, you might be able to adjust the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and still enjoy a successful gar-dening season.

Another way to examine the soil is less complex but can shed light on when would be a good time to get back to work. Reach into the soil and dig out a hand-ful. If the soil quickly crumbles, you can start preparing for gardening seasoning. But if the soil is still clumped together, it needs more time to dry out before you can begin your prep work.

Initiate edgingEdging is another task gardeners can begin as they

get ready for the season. Edge plant and flower beds, but be sure to use a spade with a flat blade or an edger designed to edge flower beds. Such tools will cut deep enough so grass roots that may eventually grow into the

flower bed are severed. Depending on how large a gar-den is, edging can be a time-consuming task, so getting a head start allows homeowners to spend more time planting and tending to their gardens once the season hits full swing.

Fight weedsThough weeds likely have not survived the win-

ter, that does not mean they won't return once the weather starts to heat up. But as inevitable as weeds may seem, homeowners can take steps to prevent them from turning beautiful gardens into battle-grounds where plants, flowers and vegetables are pit-ted against unsightly and potentially harmful weeds. Spring is a good time to apply a pre-emergent weed preventer, which can stop weeds before they grow. Though such solutions are not always foolproof, they can drastically reduce the likelihood of weed growth.Though gardeners might not be able to start planting their gardens in late winter or early spring, they can still get outside and take steps to ensure their gardens thrive once planting season begins.

How to guarantee your garden starts off on the right foot

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Alberni Valley News www.albernivalleynews.com 4 Spring Home & Garden

Home renovations are typically exciting, as homeowners get to see the visions of their dream homes come to light right before their very eyes. Turning an outdated bathroom into a modern oasis or an empty basement into the ultimate man cave strengthens the sense of attachment homeowners have with their homes.

But few home renovation projects go from start to finish without experiencing a few bumps in the road along the way.Such bumps can be difficult to handle for homeowners work-ing on their first renovation projects, but there are many ways for novices to navigate the sometimes murky waters of home improvement projects and come out relatively unscathed on the other end, where a newly renovated home awaits.

• Plan well and know what to expect. When working with contractors, get all agreements in writing and spell out exactly what you desire in a home renovation.

Photo references can help guide contractors and archi-tects. Ask for the full picture of what can be expected with the work, from demolition to the punch list. Knowing what lies ahead can keep you grounded throughout the project.

• Discuss work each day and set payment schedules. Make payments contingent on work completed. This can

help keep contractors on schedule. Paying for all work upfront leaves homeowners at a dis-

advantage, as it does not provide incentive for workers to be timely and efficient. Check in with workers to get daily progress reports.

• Have reasonable expectations. A renovation proj-ect may exceed its budget and take longer than initially expected. Understanding that these potential setbacks might be part of the process will make it easier to handle them when the foreman speaks to you about any issues that arise.

• Accept the mess. Construction work is messy. There’s no way to maintain a pristine house when contractors are entering and exiting all day. Dust is bound to be gener-ated, and tools can fill up rooms. A home in disarray can be stressful, but continue to visualize the end result and the mess won’t bother you so much.

• Establish a contingency plan. Bathrooms and kitchen renovations are typically the most disruptive home improvement projects. Going without a kitchen can make it difficult to enjoy meals at home, while a bath-room remodel may require you to navigate water shutoffs.

If your project is scheduled to take several months, estab-lish a contingency plan to deal with the consequences of your renovation project. Speak with family members about using some of their home amenities, and prepare and freeze meals in advance so you can reheat them later on when you don’t have access to your stove.

• Plan your escape. Sometimes the constant work and mess of construction is too much to bear. Afford yourself time away by visiting relatives or staying at a hotel. Even a single night away can provide the relief you need.

A home that is undergoing a remodel can be a less than comfortable environment. But homeowners who have never before lived through a renovation project can take several steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Tips for homeowners

On their first renovation projects

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Weeds in a lawn or garden can be an unsightly and poten-tially unhealthy nuisance. No gardener enjoys seeing weeds spring up throughout his or her carefully planted garden, as such uninvited guests rob a well-tended garden of its aesthetic appeal. In addition, weeds can steal valuable water and nutri-ents from plants, prohibiting their growth as a result.

Homeowners who understand how harmful weeds can be can prevent them in a variety of ways. Where weed growth is insignificant, it might be possible to simply pull them out of the ground before they can do any sub-stantial damage. In areas of heavy weed growth, however, a more concentrated effort must be made to prevent further weed growth once the weeds have been removed. The following are a few ways homeowners can prevent weeds from growing throughout their lawns.

* Be proactive. Preventing weed growth is a proactive job, so home-owners want to be proactive to keep

weeds from infesting their property. Proper and routine lawn maintenance might be all it takes. Add quality top-soil to your lawn or garden to produce a healthier surface that makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. As the season progresses, continue to maintain your lawn by mowing and watering.

* Aerate the soil at the onset of the season. Aerating your lawn at the dawn of the mowing season helps break up soil that grew compacted over the winter. Once aer-ated, the soil can disperse nutrients, oxygen and water more effectively, allowing healthier roots to grow and reducing the risk of weed growth as a result.

* Fertilize the lawn. Fertilizer helps grass grow in thick and dense, which leaves little to no room for the growth of weeds. While fertilizer does not necessarily guarantee that weeds won't grow, it does go a long way toward help-ing a lawn grow in healthy, and a healthy lawn is often a weed's worst enemy. Some fertilizers on the market are a combination of fertilizer and weed preventer, and such products might be ideal for homeowners who are espe-cially concerned about weed growth. The lifespan of weed

preventers varies, so keep in mind that you might need to reapply a weed preventer in a few months to keep getting the same results. Fertilizing is typically done twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.

* Lay down landscape fabric. Landscape fabric is another weed prevention alternative that can prevent weed growth for several years. Before laying down land-

scape fabric, which is perhaps most commonly used in flower beds, remove all weeds and other vege tation you do not wish to grow. You will likely need to cut the fabric to the area you want it to cover and cut an opening for plants and flowers. The fabric is then typically covered with mulch, which keeps the fabric in place. Landscape fabric is effective because it blocks the sun from reach-ing any area that it's covering while

still allowing air, water and nutrients to penetrate and reach the soil. Weeds need sun to grow, so landscape fabric can be highly effective at preventing weed growth.

Weeds are an unsightly nuisance that homeowners would prefer to do without. Preventing weed growth is relatively easy, and, in many cases, your efforts can bear fruit through the entire season.

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The rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year's coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners' springtime to-do lists.

While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.

Examine the lawn for low spotsOnce a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their

properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home's foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding. Flooding near a home's foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home's foundation.

Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for homeowners in the spring. Though some damage is significant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes and properties back into shape in time to

enjoy spring and summer.

Inspect the guttersGutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and

come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks while clearing the gutters of debris and reattaching gutters that might have become detached from the home on windy winter days and nights. When reattaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not draining properly can cause damage to that foundation and possibly lead to flooding. Take stock of roof shingles

Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home's roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shingles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that's considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, prob-lems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as quickly as possible.

Check for freeze damageFrozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes

alike, but unlike humans who can stay inside when tempera-tures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter. External hose faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.

Home projects perfect for spring

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* ALOE: Many of us know aloe for its restorative properties with regard to treating burns and cuts, but aloe also improves indoor air quality by helping to clear a home of the byproducts, including formal-dehyde, of chemical-based household cleaners. Aloe loves the sun, so if you hope to keep an aloe plant healthy through the winter, be sure to place the plant in a window that gets lots of sun exposure through-out the day.

* GERBER DAISY: Like aloe, a gerber daisy needs ample sunlight, and tends to only withstand win-ters in warmer climates. But homeowners who live in such climates may still keep their windows closed in winter, and those that do can use these colorful, low-maintenance flowers to remove tri-chloroethylene, a chemical that clothes may be exposed to during the dry cleaning process.

* GOLDEN POTHOS: The golden pothos can survive a winter, but homeown-ers should be careful not to let the plant dry out, which can happen if they are directly exposed to sun-light. A golden pothos vine will grow quickly, so a hanging basket is a great way to keep one inside a home, where the plant can help fight formaldehyde.

* FICUS BENJAMINA: Also known as a weep-ing fig, the ficus ben-jamina can be difficult to overwinter. But that does not mean your ficus benjamina, which can filter pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from a home, won't make it through the winter. You just need to figure out the right watering and light conditions for the plant. Such conditions can be discussed with a gardening professional.

* WARNECK DRACAENA: The warneck dracaena, or dracaena deremensis, fights pollutants created by varnishes and oils. The warneck dracaena is a sturdy houseplant that is difficult to kill, but it still thrives in tem-peratures that are between 70 F and 80 F.

These plants can improve indoor air qualityIndoor air quality is not often an issue in the warmer months, when many homeowners open their windows to let the fresh

air of the great outdoors enter their homes in abundance. But once the temperatures begin to dip and windows start to close, indoor air quality can suffer. Musty air is not only

uncomfortable, it's also unhealthy. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, can build up inside a home, especially when windows are kept shut for long stretches of time, which is often the case in winter.

Indoor plants can counter such stale air, in some cases filtering out VOCs to make the air inside a home more breathable and healthy. The following are a handful of houseplants that can improve indoor air quality.

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Pests can be a nuisance. Whether they're scampering about the yard while you try to entertain guests or invading your home's interior when the weather outside pushes them indoors, pests are almost always unwelcome guests.

Many homeowners address pest problems with pesticides. But the Environmental Protection Agency notes that there are other ways for homeowners to control pest problems around their homes.

Though sometimes pesticides prove the only way to effec-tively eradicate pest problems, the following are some more eco-friendly alternatives homeowners can try before opting for pesticides.

* Cut off food sources. One of the primary reasons pests infiltrate a home is to get food. Homeowners who don't create opportunities for pests to eat might be able to prevent infestations without the need for pesticides. When storing items in a pantry, make sure all boxes and bags are tightly sealed. Many pests can easily access food sources stored in cardboard boxes, so homeowners with roach or ant infestations might want to consider storing cereal, sugar and flour in sealable plastic containers that such pests cannot penetrate.

* Keep a tidy house. Pests do not only access food sources stored in the pantry. A dirty house is also very invit-ing to pests, who can feast on crumbs left behind on floors and tables. Don't leave crumbs lying around on tables or countertops, as such scraps might not

seem like a meal to you but will serve as a great source of food for hungry pests. Sweep and mop kitchen floors to remove any traces of food that might have fallen on the ground while you were cooking, and be sure to vacuum around the table where you and your family eat dinner night.

* Don't be sunk by your sink. A dirty sink is another attraction pests can't resist. If your sink does not come equipped with a garbage disposal, install a food trap on the drain so food is not washing down the drain, where it can stick to the side of the pipe and attract pests. Dirty dishes should be cleaned immediately as well. If allowed to sit in the sink for hours or overnight, dirty dishes will attract hungry pests, so clean the dishes and then give your sink a quick cleaning once the dishes have been washed.

* Stay dry. Water is very attractive to pests and roaches in particular. A very small amount of water is all some roaches need to feel satisfied, so all surfaces and sinks should be kept dry. Drain water from the sink, as a sink full of water is attractive to roaches because they know how to swim and can use water as a food source. Leaky plumbing should also be addressed, as leaky faucets, hoses and pipes may create a pest-friendly environment that's difficult to eradicate once it's established.

* Address leaks around the house. A pest infesta-tion also may be a byproduct of leaks around the house. Cracks or openings along the baseboards or behind the sink can create a point of entry for hungry pests, so seal any such cracks or openings as soon as possible. Pests also may enter a home through holes in window screens or march right in through the front door if there is any space between the bottom of the door and the floor. These repairs are both simple and effective at preventing pests from entering a home.

* Clear out clutter. Cluttered areas make great hiding places for pests. Stacks of old newspapers or magazines can obscure pests, and homeowners might have a full infestation without even knowing it. Removing such clut-ter eliminates potential hiding places for pests.

Though some pest problems may require the use of pesticides, homeowners who want to attempt a more eco-friendly approach to eradicating pests can do so in a number of ways.

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Why a clean air filter is important in your vehicleMotorists routinely check their tires for proper inflation, top

off engine fluid levels and maintain oil change schedules. But some drivers do not understand the importance of keeping engine air filters clean.

Engine air filters are a relatively inexpensive vehicle part, but they perform a very important job. For every gallon of gas a car burns, it uses the equivalent of 12,000 gallons of air, and that air must be filtered to help keep an engine clean.

Air filters catch all of the dust, grime, insects, sap, leaves, and any other debris that may get sucked up past the air intake of the vehicle’s grill and into the engine itself. Without the air filter, those contaminants may compromise the engine, causing corrosion and abrasion. If the air filter in the engine becomes too dirty and is not changed regularly, the engine is starved of air.

Clean air filters allow just the right ratio of air to fuel to enable the engine to function properly. Engines need adequate air for the combustion process to take place. Without the proper combustion levels, vehicles cannot perform properly or efficiently and the engine may burn more gas or get fewer miles to the gallon. A dirty filter also can rob an engine of power.

Drivers may notice sluggish acceleration.Air filters also can get so dirty that the engine stalls com-

pletely. But such a problem only develops after considerable neglect.

Air filters may not need to be replaced at each and every oil change service call. Many technicians advise replacing the filter every 8,000 miles. However, drivers who live in particularly dry and dusty regions may need to replace filters more frequently.

Mechanics can often detect when an air filter needs to be replaced. If he or she notices the air filter is particularly dirty, then it’s probably time to replace it. Replacing the filter is a relatively inexpensive repair for the amount of performance and peace of mind a new filter provides.

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Distracted driving can be very dangerous. Diverting one's attention from the road for mere seconds can have serious, and potentially fatal, consequences.

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

An Allstate Canada marketing survey of 1,605 Canadian adults conducted between July 26 and July 28 found that, although the vast majority of Canadians thinks driving while distracted is unacceptable, nearly three out of four Canadian drivers admits to engaging in a behavior that is considered a distraction. That is perhaps in part because drivers are not aware just how distracting some the following behaviors truly are.

Using mobile phonesLeading the list of the top distractions behind the wheel are

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

Studies have shown that driving performance is lowered and the level of distraction is higher for drivers who are heavily engaged in cell phone conversations. The use of a hands-free device does not lower distraction levels.

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

Accident rates have increased thanks to texting, which involves a person taking his or her hands and eyes off of the road. A 2009 study by Car and Driver magazine compared the dangers of texting while driving to the effects of driving drunk to see which would be more dangerous under the same condi-tions. Measuring the time it takes to brake after being alerted by a red light to stop, the reaction time was recorded when the

driver was legally drunk, reading an e-mail and sending a text. Texting easily elicited the slowest response time.Eating

Those who haven't quite mastered walking and chewing gum at the same time may want to avoid eating while driving. The majority of foods require a person's hands to be taken off of the wheel and their eyes to be diverted from the road. Reaching in the back seat to share some French fries with the kids is also distracting. Try to eat meals before getting in the car. For those who must snack while en route, take a moment to pull over at a rest area and spend 10 minutes snacking there before resuming the trip. Moving Objects

Whether there's a pet bouncing in the front seat or children being boisterous in the back, passengers and items moving around the car are significant distractions. Turning around to look at the kids or to reach for a ball that may be rolling around on the floor of the car can take a person's eyes off the road. If something really is important and needs to be addressed, it is much safer to pull over and take care of it before getting back on the road.Daydreaming

Many people will admit to daydreaming behind the wheel or looking at a person or object outside of the car for too long. Perhaps they're checking out a house in a new neighborhood or thought they saw someone they knew on the street corner.

It can be easy to veer into the direction your eyes are focused, causing an accident. In addition to trying to stay focused on the road, some drivers prefer the help of lane departure warning systems.Reading

Glancing at an advertisement, updating a Facebook status or reading a book are all activities that should be avoided when driving. Even pouring over a traffic map or consulting the digital display of a GPS system can be distracting. When driving, attention should be placed on the task of safely getting from point A to point B. All other activities taking place in the vehicle are distractions that can end up risking a person's life.

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The return of warm weather marks the return of road trips for millions of motorists across the country. Whether going to the beach or heading off to parts unknown, hitting the open road with the windows down is a time-honored tradition for drivers of all ages.

But such road trips can prove disastrous if drivers don't take the right steps to prepare their vehicles for spring and summer travel. The following are a few ways motorists can ensure their car is ready to tackle the open road.

* Check the battery. Over time, battery terminals and cables will start to corrode. Such corrosion will eventually eat away at the battery's parts, creating a bad connection that sooner or later will require the battery be replaced. Check the battery before your trip and remember to clean the battery periodically as part of routine vehicle mainte-nance.

* Tighten things up. Loose parts, such as exhaust clamps, license plates, and interior trim panels, can create rattles and cause parts to get damaged or fall off. What's more, rattling sounds can be a noisy nuisance for drivers and passengers alike. Threadlockers can be used to keep the nuts and bolts from coming loose and save partsreplacement costs.

They also have a threadlocker for plastic fasteners, which vehicle manufacturers have grown to rely on more and more.

* Fix foggy headlight lenses. Many spring and summer road trippers travel at night so their days can be spent soaking up some sun at the beach or lake. Before head-ing off for parts unknown, motorists should inspect their headlight lenses to reduce risk of accident. If the lenses are yellowed and foggy, that's likely because salt, ozone and road debris has dulled them to a point where vision can be impaired, placing drivers and their passengers at risk.

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* Address windshield nicks and bullseyes. Nicks and chips in the windshields are a common problem regardless of the season. But such damage is most prevalent in the winter because of the extra debris that's on the road. These nicks and cracks need to get fixed as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading and resulting in the need for a wind-shield replacement.

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Alberni Valley News www.albernivalleynews.com 12 Spring Home & GardenSpring Car Care Guide 12Alberni Valley News www.albernivalleynews.com

Few decisions weigh as heavily on automobile owners as their choice of mechanic. A good mechanic goes a long way toward ensuring drivers and their passengers stay safe on the road and that those drivers' vehicles perform at their peak for years to come.

That's an important role to play, and it's why many driv-ers acknowledge that choosing a mechanic is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

Rest assured you don't need to be a car guy or gal to find a trustworthy and talented mechanic. You might just need to open a dialogue with a prospective mechanic, discussing a handful of topics that can help you feel more comfortable and know you have made the right choice in automotive service provider once a final decision has been made.

CertificationCertification can go a long way toward helping drivers find

mechanics they can trust. A certified technician should have his or her credentials readily available to prospective cus-tomers, and these credentials list each professional's area of

certification. When shopping for a new mechanic, make sure that he or she is certified. In addition, discuss with the mechanic his or her work history, including any additional areas of expertise.

Pricing policies

Many mechanics offer free estimates, but that should not be taken for granted. When bringing a car in for an estimate, drivers should confirm with the mechanic who will conduct the examination if the estimate is free or if they will be charged an inspection fee.

In addition to any fees regarding estimates, drivers should also inquire about labor costs and the payment policies at the facility. Labor can be quite expensive, so it's best that you know these rates in advance of any repairs being conducted on your vehicle. It's also important to get a rundown of the company payment policies, especially if your vehicle is in need of poten-tially costly repairs.

You don't want the bill to shock you once the work has been completed, so don't hesitate to be inquisitive before leaving a car at the garage.

Parts

Replacing parts on a vehicle is a cause for concern for many drivers, and rightfully so.

Consumer advocacy groups have exposed many mechan-ics who pass off used auto parts as new parts, charging their customers new part prices along the way. While there's no way drivers can guarantee they won't fall victim to such criminal behavior, they can inquire about company policies regarding vehicle parts.

Does the garage even install used parts? If so, do they let drivers choose either new or used parts before any work is done? If the garage only uses new parts, ask for parts with solid warranties, so if the part must be replaced, you won't have to pay for it again.

Documentation

The preowned vehicle market is thriving, and drivers who take care of their vehicles have earned the right to reap their rewards for being good owners when it comes time to sell the car.

When interviewing prospective mechanics, ask if they are willing to provide detailed documentation of any work they do on your vehicle.

Such documentation can then be shared with prospective buyers when you want to sell the car, and it also serves as a way to keep the garage accountable for all the work they have done on the car throughout your relationship.

Topics to discuss before hiring your next mechanic

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According to data in 2012 the average new car cost $30,500. That's a considerable expense, especially at a time when fuel costs remain high and cost of living continues to rise.

Because new cars have become so expensive, more and more vehicle owners are looking for ways to extend the life of their vehicles.

The longer a car can stay on the road, the better an invest-ment that vehicle becomes. Fortunately, there are several steps vehicle owners can take that should ensure their vehicles stay on the road for years to come.

* Scale back on short trips. The toll cold starts take on a vehicle can add up over time. When a car is started, condensation builds up in the vehicle's exhaust system. On longer trips, that condensation will gradually evaporate.

However, on short trips, that condensation often does not have enough time to evaporate, and over time too many short trips will lead to an accumulation of water in the muffler that can lead to rust and rust holes on the muffler.

Short trips also can negatively affect gas mileage. When possible, leave your car at home on trips into town when you can just as easily walk or ride a bicycle. Over time, reducing the amount of short trips you take in your car will greatly reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and improve your fuel efficiency as well.

* Stick to the manufacturer's recommended mainte-nance schedule. Adhering to your vehicle's maintenance schedule serves many purposes, including improving the its durability and protecting various components, includ-ing its cooling system and drivetrain.

While many manufacturers used to recommend changing a vehicle's oil every 3,000 miles, many of today's newer automobiles need their oil changed less frequently. Check your owner's manual for manufacturer recommendations regarding oil changes, and don't forget to replace the oil filter when changing your vehicle's oil.

* Pay attention to brake pads. Brake pads that are allowed to wear down can cause damage to the brakes' rotors and calipers. That damage can prove costly and make things harder on your vehicle. Keep an eye on your vehicle's brake pads, which are far less expensive to replace than rotors and calipers, and do not allow them to wear down to metal.

* Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires that are under-inflated will negatively impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency. In addition, the tires' life expectancy is reduced considerably when tires are not properly inflated.

Routinely check your tire pressure, especially if you drive a lot, and keep tires inflated at the pressure recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.

* Be mindful when filling up your tank. Many people do not pay much attention to their surroundings when pull-ing into the filling station. But when you fill up can impact

your car's life expectancy. Perhaps the worst time to fill your tank is when the fuel tanker is in the gas station refill-ing the underground tanks.

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

* Take care of your vehicle's interior, too. Caring for a car is not just about being good to what's under the hood. Caring for the car's interior will not necessarily impact its performance, but a well-kept interior will improve how you look at your vehicle and how much you enjoy driving it. The longer you enjoy driving your vehicle, the longer you are likely to keep it.

Preserve the vehicle's door and window seals; clean the dashboard, including the gauges, vacuum the floor mats; and wipe down the vehicle's interior, whether it's cloth or leather.

Keeping up the appearance of the car's interior will make the vehicle more enjoyable to drive and increase its value at resale.

Simple ways to extend the life of your vehicle

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Alberni Valley News www.albernivalleynews.com 14 Spring Home & GardenSpring Home & Garden Spring Car Care Guide

When it comes to taking care of their vehicles, many motor-ists prefer to be overly cautious. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, there are times when being too cautious can unnec-essarily cost you money.

Motor oil, and when to change that oil, has long been a point of contention. Many drivers grew up being told that motor oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. However, that myth has been debunked for many of today's vehicles, which should come with suggested intervals between oil changes.

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

* Oil does not necessarily need to be changed before a long trip. Taking a trip? While it's good to have your car examined before embarking, if the recommended oil change interval is not up, then you do not need to preemp-tively change your oil. Such a change is likely unnecessary and will not improve the performance of your vehicle dur-ing the trip.

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

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

However, automotive professionals have noted that these two types of oils are now often blended, meaning switch-ing back and forth from one to the other is not likely to cause any damage to your vehicle. Just be sure to use motor oil that meets the standards set forth in your vehicle's owner's manual.

* Consider an earlier oil change after buying a new vehicle. Sometimes a new vehicle will need an oil change after its first 3,000 miles. However, this does not mean your vehicle will need one every 3,000 miles.

According to Blackstone Laboratories, who study motor oil, oil samples taken from engines during their initial 3,000 miles of driving had elevated metal levels from the camshafts and pistons.

These elevated levels will not necessarily be harmful, but some auto manufacturers recommend a shorter initial interval just to be safe. Honda, however, includes an anti-wear additive in their break-in oil and advises against changing their oil early.

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

Motor Oil

Things you need to know

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