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SEPTEMBER 2012
Contact Us Phone: 816-254-8600 Fax: 816-254-0211 (news) 816-836-3805 (advertising) Publisher: Stephen Wade stephen.wade@examiner.net Advertising: Director of Advertising: David T. Lammers dave.lammers@examiner.net Director of Marketing: Sharon Dankenbring sharon.dankenbring@examiner.net ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: Josh Englebrake 816-350-6378 josh.englebrake@examiner.net New media: New Media Manager: Ginger Kuftack ginger.kuftack@examiner.net WebSite: www.examiner.net
The Examiner © 2012 gatehouse media All rights reserved
Cover: EXAMINER STAFF Photo
Oh Ain’t It Lovely I don’t know about you but this recent weather has been stupendous. It gives us the chance to roll the windows down, turn the music up, and enjoy the ride. There are very few things as amazing as cruising along to your favorite tunes with a nice cool breeze blowing through your freshly detailed ride. I spend at least 2 hours a week on detailing my car. I want it supreme clean all the time. And that is not easy to do with kids and Missouri weather conditions. Trust me though, I get it done. The only thing that makes it better
is when it is a new car. If you go to the right dealerships, you will drive the car off the lot in pristine condition. If not, you need to purchase elsewhere. Once you have gotten your new ride home, keeping it looking Don Draper fabulous should be a priority. When you get to cruising around and you know everyone is looking at your car, truck or bike looking all good, you know it makes you feel better inside. Every dealership in this magazine knows how to make that first drive off the lot one of the most amazing drives ever. They give you the type of customer service that entails teaching you about your car and all of its lovely little buttons and gadgets. The porters will be given explicit instructions to detail every inch of the ride. You get in, adjust the mirrors for the first and hopefully last time, and then the real fun begins. I just want to take a minute and thank those dealerships for making that moment one of the most memorable. Cheers to you and your idea of great customer service. Keep Calm and Chive On.
auto bits
Smartphone help
Tip of the Week
If you can resist the temptation to reach for it while you’re behind the wheel, your smartphone can be a great asset as you care for your vehicle.
Fuel economy
n Maintenance
diaries. There are now a number of mobile apps that help you keep track of all your maintenance notes. Some even have the ability to send you reminders when you are due for an oil change or other routine maintenance procedures. n Garage
locators. If you end up breaking down in unfamiliar territory, a smartphone can be of great assistance in finding a reputable shop. Your map app can help you locate the shops closest to you, and there are other apps available to read reviews. n Car
buying info. On the showroom floor, you can use your smartphone to browse vehicle specifications and read reviews. Many car magazines now have mobile sites, and you can even get a quick answer on what kind of fuel economy to expect at fueleconomy.gov/m.
- ARA
Some gas-saving tips: n Check your tires. Once a month, when the tires are cold check tire pressure with a reliable tire gauge. Be sure that the valve stems have a plastic or metal cap to keep dirt out and seal against leakage. n Replace air filter. A clogged air filter blocks the air needed to burn fuel and wastes gas. n Keep your car tuned up according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule to keep all systems in good working order, which can optimize your mileage. n Slow down. For every 5 mph you go above 60 mph, you’re using more gas, and, ultimately, paying even more for each gallon of gas.
- ARA
Drive green To improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Just follow these easy steps: n Take care of your tires. Underinflated and/or misaligned tires can increase fuel consumption by as much as 4 percent.
n Replace a clogged air filter. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your fuel economy by up to 6 percent. n Stay tuned. Fixing a vehicle in need of a tune-up can improve gas mileage by up to 4 percent. n Recycle. If you do your own oil changes, find a place that will accept your used motor oil.
— Royal Purple/ ARA
Car Q&A
Flexibility needed Q: What can you tell me about the Ford Flex? We need a vehicle that will hold six persons with good gas mileage. A: The Ford Flex will carry up to seven. I drove a 2013 Flex AWD 3.5 V/6. A couple of weeks ago we used it to go to dinner with two other couples. The Flex is like a Mini Cooper on steroids. There is no question that Ford has done a great job on this vehicle. Gas mileage 17 city 23 highway. Base price $35,000 as tested; with optional equipment $39,900.
— Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist RIDES SEPTEMBER 2012