2012 Spring on the Road

MARCH 2012 | A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

The Edwardsville Intelligencer

Go Online to view this section! www.theintelligencer.com/springontheroad

SPRING SAVINGS $$$$ How to save money on a new car purchase

PERFECTING THE YOUR “HOME” POLICY MECHANIC Things to consider before The right tools buying auto insurance

make any job easy

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March 22, 2012 • THE EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER

DID YOU KNOW? 2

DID YOU KNOW? Car thieves Distracted driving

3

Tools for THE HOME MECHANIC

4

How to SAVE MONEY ON A NEW CAR PURCHASE

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Things to consider before BUYING AUTO INSURANCE

7

What to do if a TIRE BLOWS OUT

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Things that MAR AN AUTOMOTIVE PAINT JOB

10

Weighing the options of OIL CHANGE LOCATIONS

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Simple way to IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY

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HIGHWAY HYPNOSIS can be dangerous

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OH ‘DEER’: Get the facts about this road hazard

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Safe ways to TAKE PETS ON THE ROAD

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Debunking POPULAR AUTOMOTIVE MYTHS

New car owners often place a premium on protecting their cars from thieves, but thieves tend to prefer older vehicles. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the most stolen car in 2010 was the 1994 Honda Accord. And that top spot was not an aberration. The 1995 Honda Civic was the second most stolen car in 2010, finishing one spot ahead of the 1991 Toyota Camry. The NICB notes improved anti-theft technology as one of the main reasons for declining theft rates, which dropped 7.2 percent between 2009 and 2010.

That improved technology is likely a big reason why thieves are targeting older vehicles that don’t benefit from those improvements. One of the more influential technological advancements that’s helped reduce auto theft is an electronic chip in newer cars. These chips prevent usable keys from being easily made at a hardware store, meaning a car thief won’t be able to start the car even with a copied key.

The United States Department of Transportation defines three main types of distracted driving: Visual, manual and cognitive. Texting is considered one of the more dangerous forms of distracted driving because it involves all three main types. To text, drivers must take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel and their mind off of driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that distracted driving is a significant concern, as 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. Eighteen percent of fatalities in distraction-related crashes involved reports of a cell phone as the distraction.

WWW.THEINTELLIGENCER.COM • March 22, 2012

Tools for

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THE HOME MECHANIC The right tools can make any job easier. Knowing how to use the tools also helps. Those delving into some do-it-yourself automotive work will soon find that there are certain tools that can make the work go more smoothly.

You do not need to have every automotive tool available to be successful with repairs. Once you know how tools function, which ones are essential and which ones are likely unnecessary, it might save you time and money to work on your car yourself.

Jack stands: Oftentimes working on a car means getting underneath the body of the vehicle.

Propping the car up on a jack alone is dangerous, therefore you should rely on jack stands instead.

These are strong steel supports that reduce the chance of the car slipping or moving while elevated.

Even better than one jack stand is two, which will offer more stability.

Torque wrench: There are a variety of lugs and nuts on a vehicle that will need tightening at some point. Precision is the name of the game with tightening, as something that is too loose can fall off and something tightened too much can break or become stripped.

There are electronic torque wrenches that can offer a specific digital readout on the amount of torque being applied.

Oil filter wrench: This device is used to remove the spin-off canister top of oil filters. For those who plan on saving some money doing their own oil changes, this is an essential tool.

Small-scale wrench set: Working inside of a car engine usually means fitting into tight spots.

Full-sized tools may not be able to maneuver in all those tight crevices.

Wrenches that are half the size of traditional ones may have more maneuverability.

Socket set: Again, a socket set can prove invaluable with the various nuts and bolts on a car.

An ergonomic socket set makes loosening and tightening even easier.

Spare tire: Invest in a full-sized spare tire in the event you have a blow-out or need to change a tire that has a puncture in it.

A socket, ratchet and screwdriver set are essential tools for do-it-yourself automotive repairs.

A windshield crack is something that should be remedied soon.

Funnel: A funnel helps direct liquids with minimal spillage when filling up the fluid reservoirs of the car, be it motor oil, windshield washer fluid, etc.

Goggles and gloves: Protecting the eyes and hands while working in the engine or under the body of the car is a priority. Hot engine parts and kicked-up debris can make work dangerous.

DIYers should always don gloves and goggles to protect themselves.

Lighting: Flashlights, tool lights and even a highpowered work lamp can illuminate the caverns of the engine, making the project safer and easier.

Whether you’re a professional or a do-ityourselfer, having the right tools makes a difference when making automotive repairs.

It’s important to note that liability car insurance typically doesn’t cover a cracked windshield that occurs in a collision. Instead, drivers hoping to be covered need to have collision insurance on their vehicle. However, not all windshields crack in a car accident. Many are damaged in nonaccident related circumstances, whether this be a tree branch that falls on the car or a rock kicked up from the roadway. It’s important to read an insurance policy thoroughly to be sure that nonaccident related cracks to the windshield will be covered.

Even if the damage is covered, it may not be worth the expense of paying the insurance deductible and filing a claim, which may end up raising your rate in the long run.

What to do with a

CRACKED WINDSHIELD The scenario is all too common. Drivers are traveling down the road, and a pebble gets kicked up and hits into their windshield, causing a small chip to appear. Slowly but surely that chip turns into a spreading, snaking crack that only gets worse with each bump and pothole.

Having a broken windshield is not only unsightly and a big inconvenience, it can also be illegal. That’s because the crack reduces the efficacy of the window safety composition, meaning it may shatter in the event of an impact accident and cause extensive injuries. The crack also may impede a driver’s ability to see the road clearly.

Many small nicks can be repaired easily with a kit purchased from an automotive supply store.

Inexpensive and user-friendly, the instructions guide users through the process of sealing the crack and preventing it from spreading.

If the crack is beyond the scope of a do-it-yourself fix, a windshield repair service that specializes in this type of work might be necessary. These companies use products that harden quickly and reglaze the windshield so that the crack may not even be noticeable afterward.

Upon inspection, a mechanic or a windshield replacement company may determine that the crack is not something that can be mended. The entire windshield will have to be replaced at this point. In some cases the windshield can be removed and replaced in the same day.

While there is no way to prevent a cracked windshield entirely, there are certain ways to reduce the risk. This includes avoiding running over any debris on the road that can be kicked back at the windshield.

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March 22, 2012 • THE EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER

How to SAVE MONEY

ON A NEW CAR PURCHASE B uying a new car is one of the more expensive purchases a consumer can make. Aside from a home or paying for college, perhaps no purchase requires a bigger financial commitment than a new car.

While purchasing a new car can be intimidating, there are ways buyers can take control of the car-buying process and save money as a result.

Shop online.

Much of the fear associated with buying a new car can be traced to the dealership.

Consumers fear being taken advantage of by aggressive salespeople who work on commissions and are motivated by selling the car for the highest price possible.

However, shopping online removes that fear and has made it easier for consumers to save when purchasing a

new car. Unlike traditional automobile salespeople, Internet department sales staff often earn their bonuses on how many cars they sell, and not how much they sell each car for, which motivates them to get consumers the best price. Shopping online also removes the hassle of visiting the dealership and the often awkward and uncomfortable back and forth of the negotiating process on the dealer’s turf.

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Get preapproved for a loan. Another way to save

Negotiate everything. Shop in a buyer’s market. Near the end of the

is to shop around for the best financing deal before shopping for a car. Many people seek preapproval for a loan before shopping for a home, and the same can be done when buying a car. Shopping around enables you to get the best deal, which isn’t always the one you’ll find should you rely on the dealership to arrange for the financing.

One of the more agitating things about buying a new car is the seemingly endless list of add-on fees that suddenly appear after the buyer and dealer have agreed on a vehicle price. Dealerships often want buyers to think such fees are non-negotiable, but that isn’t actually true. Even if the contract has already been drawn up and includes the fees, until you have signed on the dotted line, those fees are negotiable.

year is typically the best time to buy a current model vehicle.

Between August and October is a great time to find a deal, as dealerships are looking to move inventory to make room for next year’s models.

Some consumers, however, find it difficult to shop for a car at the end of the year, as the costs associated with the holidays make it tough to afford a new

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car. If that’s the case, consider shopping for a vehicle at the end of the month, when salespeople and dealers might be motivated to sell cars to meet a monthly quota.

the vehicle around to several dealerships as a straight sale.

Getting the best price for the vehicle, whether that’s through trading it in or selling it privately, can lessen the financial blow of buying a new car.

Shop around your current vehicle. If you

Buying a car no longer has to be an intimidating process where the consumer is fearful of getting fleeced. Nowadays, there are a variety of ways the consumer can take control of the process and make out financially.

have a trade-in, don’t simply assume you’ll get the most money for it via a trade-in. You might earn more money selling it privately, or you can shop

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March 22, 2012 • THE EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER

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Things to consider before

BUYING AUTO INSURANCE Auto insurance is necessary for anyone who drives. Though some places allow motorists to drive without insurance, doing so is an unnecessary risk, one that could prove costly should an accident occur.

When purchasing auto insurance, many drivers hope to save as much money as possible. That’s understandable, as many drivers go years without ever filing a claim, giving some the feeling that they’re paying for something they will never use. However, when an accident does occur, paying for those premiums proves well worth it.

While it’s important to get the best rates and not overpay for auto insurance, there’s more to shopping for auto insurance than simply finding the cheapest policy. The following are a few things drivers should consider when shopping for a new auto insurance policy.

• Determine the amount of coverage you need. How much auto insurance coverage a driver needs depends on what the local law requires. Some areas, including densely populated cities with more drivers on the road, tend to require more coverage than others because the risk of accident is greater.

In addition, some places require all motorists purchase personal injury protection, or PIP, which pays for a driver’s medical expenses as well as any lost wages or additional costs that occur as a result of an accident. PIP is not required everywhere, but motorists should weight its pros and cons if they live in a region where PIP is not mandatory.

The amount of coverage a driver needs is relative, but Consumer Reports recommends adequate coverage for bodily injury liability is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, and an additional $100,000 for property damage.

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For drivers leasing or financing a vehicle, the leasing or financing agreement will typically spell out the minimum coverage required, and drivers can choose to increase that coverage if they feel it’s necessary.

• Explore payment options. Drivers who want to reduce their insurance costs without reducing coverage should explore their payment options. In many instances, drivers

who choose to make annual or bi-annual payments instead of monthly installments can save some money is so doing. If your current insurance provider does not offer such an alternative, then shop around for a company that does.

• Re-examine your driving history.

Speeding and traffic tickets might sting initially, but they will disappear from your record over time. When shopping for auto insurance, re-examine your driving record.

In the United States and Canada, accessing these records can typically be done by contacting the local branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles. If an old speeding or traffic ticket is close to being removed from your record, wait until those disappear before purchasing a new policy.

• Shop around. Drivers often lament paying so much for auto insurance, a safety net few drivers use but all must pay for.

Despite that, many motorists continue to overpay for their insurance because the popular misconception is that shopping for a better policy is inconvenient and tedious.

But the Internet has made it much easier for consumers to shop for a better auto insurance policy. When shopping for quotes online, have your vehicle registration and identification number as well as your driver history on hand so the quote is as accurate as possible. Print out each quote and then compare them to find the best deal. If another company is offering a deal significantly better than your existing policy, discuss that with your current provider, who might match the rate to keep you as a policy holder.

• Shop for discounts. Another thing to consider when shopping for an auto insurance policy is the availability of discounts. Many companies reward policy holders for good behavior, such as driving without an accident and earning good grades in school. Other companies even offer a onetime accident amnesty, forgiving drivers for their first accident by not raising their rates when an accident occurs. These discounts can add up to substantial savings over the course of the policy, so do your homework.

WWW.THEINTELLIGENCER.COM • March 22, 2012

WHAT TO DO IF A TIRE BLOWS OUT A

ccidents that occur on the roadways are unpredictable and can be caused by just about anything. Impaired or distracted motorists might heighten the risk of an accident, but even things like a squirrel running across the street and scaring a driver can lead to an accident.

Tire blowout is another potential cause of accident,

and such blowouts might be more common than motorists expect. For instance, a 2005 study from the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research found that, between 1996 and 2002, nearly 61,000 vehicles were involved in crashes with property damage and/or injury on a particular stretch of highway. More than six

percent of those accidents involved tire blowout, a problem many motorists might mistake as something that only happens in movies.

But tire blowout can put motorists in a precarious position, especially if they don’t know what to do should one of their tires blow out.

Surviving tire blowout can be done by adhering to the following tips.

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Don’t respond by hitting the brakes. It might be counterintuitive to squeeze the gas pedal when a tire blows out, but doing so puts drivers in control of the vehicle and keeps it going in the intended direction.

Immediately slamming on the brakes will cause the vehicle to turn, possibly turning the vehicle into oncoming traffic, a guardrail or other cars traveling in the same direction. When squeezing the gas pedal, drive straight down the lane.

Within seconds of pressing the gas pedal, slowly begin to release it.

Coast to a slower speed.

As the accelerator is released, allow the vehicle to coast to a slow speed, but not a speed so slow as to put driver and passengers at risk. Once the car is coasting between 25 to

30 miles per hour, use the turn signal and slowly turn toward the side of the road where the tire is blown. For example, if the front right tire is blown, turn toward the right shoulder. You want to turn toward this side because it’s always safest to limit your own exposure to oncoming motorists when changing the tire.

Check tire pressure when you can pull into a parking lot. When you have safely made it to the shoulder and the tire has been changed successfully, find a filling station or other parking lot and check the tire pressure on the tires that did not blowout. A blowout is often the result of an underinflated tire, so if one tire blows out due to underinflation it’s quite possible the others might as well.

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March 22, 2012 • THE EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER

Things that

MAR AN AUTOMOTIVE PAINT JOB

Keep a car’s

INTERIOR CLEAN

Washing off harmful substances promptly can reduce the chances of damage to a car’s paint job.

M

ost people purchase a car for its looks and performance. However, unless the auto is kept in a garage and never driven, it is impossible to keep it in pristine condition. In many cases, damage to the clear coat or enamel paint on the car is something vehicle owners expect.

A car owner who decides he or she wants the car to remain in the best shape possible will have to take an active role in maintenence and damage prevention. One of the key things to remember is to never allow any substance to remain on the paint for too long; otherwise the risk for damage increases. Also, it may be very difficult to clean if the offender is allowed to sit on the paint. Here are some other factors to consider.

• UV light: Just as UV light can affect skin, hair and other parts of the body, it also can affect the paint on a car. UV rays oxidize the paint and cause a white, powdery film to form on the car. Washing the car frequently enough and applying the best quality wax will help keep UV rays from penetrating through the paint.

• Over sprays: Life does not stop to allow cars to drive through, particularly when it comes to construction zones. It’s possible for a car to be doused in paint spray, tar, concrete, and other chemicals that are routinely used in construction. Do not allow these substances to harden on the car.

Rinse promptly with automotive soap. Try to avoid construction zones whenever possible.

• Rain: Both acid rain and regular rainwater (and other sources of water) can dissolve paint over time. The U.S. Geological Survey has said that water is a universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. Whenever the car becomes wet, it should be dried with a towel or chamois and not allowed to air dry.

• Natural substances: Tree sap, bird droppings and splattered insects contain compounds that can erode the paint on a car. Avoid parking under large trees where sap and bird droppings may be prevalent. In terms of bug splatter, try to wash it off as soon as possible to alleviate damage.

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• Eggs: Oftentimes, rambunctious children think it is funny to egg a car. However, the enzymes and sulfur content in eggs can cause paint and clear coat to dissolve, leaving white spots in the wake of the egg. Because egg can be sticky and very hard to remove once dried, it is helpful to wash it off as soon as possible. It takes only a few hours for the damage to be permanent.

• Bleach: Although a bleach-andwater solution is often heralded for its ability to clean many things, it should not be used on a car.

Bleach is an oxidizer and it will pit metal and discolor paint. Be careful with pool chemicals as well, as chlorinator is usually regular household bleach.

There are many things that can damage a car paint job. Although it’s impossible to shield the car from everything, there are precautions that can be taken.

sk anyone who has taken an extended road trip what a car looks like post-trip and visions of food stains, trash and other not-so-pretty things might soon appear. But it doesn’t always take a road trip to create a messy interior. Ordinary dayto-day living can lead to stains, scratches, clutter and more.

Although many interior messes can be cleaned up, taking a proactive approach to interior cleanliness can save time and frustration. These are a few ways to keep the car clean and minimize damage.

Using a shop vacuum is a smart way to clean the carpeting and mats, as well as catch crumbs and other dirt that can end up staining the seats of the car. A shop vac has more horsepower than a regular vacuum and will draw dirt out more easily.

If you have leather seats, use a mild soap and water solution and dampen a cloth to wipe down the seats. The same solution can be used on the plastic components, such as cup holders and storage areas. Use a dry cloth to dry and buff out any streaks. There are leather seat protector products available, and upholstered seats can be protected with a scotch guard-type product.

Detail the interior There are many products on the market that can be applied to the dashboard and other trims around the car. For the most part, these are leather conditioning treatments or vinyl coatings that help prevent cracking or drying out of the materials. They also impart a nice shine onto the trimwork, and alleviate finger smudges and other eye sores.

Create a dirt barrier Carpeted mats are meant to make the car interior appear sleek and refined. Yet many times these mats can get soiled quite quickly. A good investment is to purchase vinyl or plastic mats that have a raised perimeter that will trap any dirt or liquid (like melted snow) on the mat. Then the mats can be easily removed and hosed off.

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WWW.THEINTELLIGENCER.COM • March 22, 2012

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sk anyone who has taken an extended road trip what a car looks like post-trip and visions of food stains, trash and other not-so-pretty things might soon appear. But it doesn’t always take a road trip to create a messy interior. Ordinary day-to-day living can lead to stains, scratches, clutter and more.

Although many interior messes can be cleaned up, taking a proactive approach to interior cleanliness can save time and frustration. These are a few ways to keep the car clean and minimize damage.

Detail the interior There are many products on the market that can be applied to the dashboard and other trims around the car. For the most part, these are leather conditioning treatments or vinyl coatings that help prevent cracking or drying out of the materials. They also impart a nice shine onto the trimwork, and alleviate finger smudges and other eye sores.

Using a shop vacuum is a smart way to clean the carpeting and mats, as well as catch crumbs and other dirt that can end up staining the seats of the car. A shop vac has more horsepower than a regular vacuum and will draw dirt out more easily.

If you have leather seats, use a mild soap and water solution and dampen a cloth to wipe down the seats. The same solution can be used on the plastic components, such as cup holders and storage areas. Use a dry cloth to dry and buff out any streaks. There are leather seat protector products available, and upholstered seats can be protected with a scotch guard-type product.

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March 22, 2012 • THE EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER

Weighing the options of

of the automobiles they are servicing. That means they’ll have first-hand knowledge and be familiar with the design of the engine and the characteristics of the make and model of the car better than anyone else. This can give drivers peace of mind that they are getting the right parts and that the service work is being done in accordance with their service warranty.

OIL CHANGE LOCATIONS

Dealership There are certain reasons a person may want to go to a dealership to have an oil change. It is typical of dealer service stations to train their mechanics in the specific design

Some dealerships also offer service plans that discount the cost of oil changes if done at the dealer service station. This service package might even be part of a finance deal, so the cost of the oil changes could already be paid for. The oil changes may be done in conjunction with other service work, including tire rotation.

Third-party station

the latest technology and the models of cars.

One of the main advantages to using a private lube-type company is that they are usually less expensive than services provided by a dealership. Quick lube stations typically have access to manufacturers’ data to ensure the correct type of oil and filter are used. Larger companies may have an extensive training program that goes over

Another benefit to a lube station is that an appointment is not always necessary, which may not be the case with a dealership. With a number of service bays and substantial staff on hand, there also could be a shorter wait time, which is a boon to busy individuals.

have specific tools for the job, as well as 5 to 6 quarts of motor oil on hand.

T

he debate may continue as to whether a car still needs its oil changed every 3,000 miles or if motorists can extend that figure to more than 5,000 miles. In addition to how frequently oil needs to be changed, drivers also must decide where to go for an oil change.

Customers have different choices when it comes to

oil changes. Some don’t mind getting a little messy and choose to change their oil right at home. There are also lube stations that specialize strictly in oil changes. Then there is the option of having the oil changed at a dealership service station.

As with any decision, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision.

According to the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act of 1975, routine service can be done anywhere and will not void your warranty. Regular warranty work only has to be done by the dealer.

Unless a dealership can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that damage was caused by a vehicle owner or a third-party lube station, then the warranty will remain valid.

Jacking up the car to have access to the underside of the engine will be necessary so that you can reach the engine pan plug to drain the old oil. Wrenches as well as buckets to drain the oil are other tools to keep on hand.

Used motor oil is not something that can simply be tossed in the trash or poured down a drain. It must be carefully contained and recycled to avoid harming the environment.

Self-service Doing an oil change at home is obviously the most cost-effective option. But it’s the most labor-intensive as well. You also will need to

Because of the work involved in an oil change at home, many people opt to have it done elsewhere. Remember, while there are many places that are qualified, it’s up to the driver to decide where to go.

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WWW.THEINTELLIGENCER.COM • March 22, 2012

IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY The economy might be slowly recovering, but saving money is still foremost on the minds of many people.

Men and women have looked to save money in a variety of ways, including at the gas pump. While there’s little drvivers can do to reduce the cost of a gallon of gas, there are ways they can make the gas last a little longer.

Improving fuel economy is nothing new to many motorists, but some might still be surprised at the myriad ways they can get more bang for their buck with regards to fuel costs.

Don’t break the law. Obeying the speed limit might save your life, and it can also save you money. Typically, fuel economy decreases rapidly as a car reaches and surpasses 60 miles per hour.

According to the U.S. Department of Safety, drivers can assume that each five miles per hour they drive over 60, they are paying an additional $0.26 per gallon for gas.

• Empty the trunk. Though it might be more convenient to keep your golf clubs in the trunk of your car, extra and unnecessary cargo in a vehicle’s trunk drastically reduces fuel economy.

An extra 100 pounds in a vehicle can reduce miles per gallon by as much as 2 percent, so keep a trunk free of items that aren’t absolutely necessary.

• Stop idling. Many people let their car idle for several minutes on cold mornings. But today’s newer vehicles don’t really need to idle to warm up, and idling can be very taxing on fuel economy. Depending on the size of the car, idling can use between a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour. If you still insist on letting the vehicle idle, a few seconds of idling should be enough to

warm the engine up.

• Embrace cruise control on long drives without lots of stopping and starting. Maintaining a constant speed, which a vehicle does when drivers utilize cruise control, can help save fuel, as it’s less taxing on an engine to continue at one speed then it is to constantly switch back and forth between high and low speeds.

• Inflate the tires. Poorly inflated tires lower gas mileage and also pose a safety hazard. The DOE notes that properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by as much as 3 percent.

Ideal tire pressure is different for each vehicle, so check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended tire pressure. Some vehicle manufacturers also include the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle itself, be it in the driver’s side door jamb or in the vehicle’s glove compartment.

Tire pressure printed on the tire’s sidewall might not be the ideal tire inflation for your particular vehicle, so always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation instead.

• Drive the car you need, not the car you want. Drivers who truly need to save money at the pump should consider the type of vehicle they’re driving, and whether it’s the car they need or the car they want. For instance, office workers who own a pickup truck but don’t use it to haul items might want to consider a smaller vehicle that gets better gas mileage.

Improving fuel efficiency is a great way for motorists to save money and reduce the expenses associated with vehicle ownership.

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March 22, 2012 • THE EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER

GPS USAGE TIPS

HIGHWAY HYPNOSIS

can be dangerous

R

oad trips are a popular getaway once the weather warms up.

People take to the roads in droves, whether for vacations or simply to enjoy the scenery along the way.

With more people on the highways, there could be a heightened risk of accidents for a number of reasons.

Though road rage, driving while intoxicated and other road dangers are well documented, many people do not know about something called highway hypnosis — which could be responsible for erratic driving on roadways.

Think about a time when you were behind the wheel of a car on a long stretch of road, such as an interstate. Perhaps you lost track of the exits you passed or wondered how you ended up in a particular location when you don’t remember getting there. Maybe you actually fell asleep or drifted off of the road.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, the main cause of roadway departure crashes is driver drowsiness and inattention.

Driver fatigue is often caused by highway hypnosis.

Highway hypnosis, also known as “white line fever,” occurs when someone has been driving a vehicle along a long stretch of roadway for an extended period of time. The monotony of a long drive can induce sleepiness or forgetfulness. It can lull the brain into a sort of trance, and the body is essentially operating on auto pilot while the mind is off somewhere else. Highway hypnosis is most common during the late-night hours when the time of day also plays a role in drowsiness.

The concept of highway hypnosis is nothing new. In fact, engineers who created the Indiana Toll Road in 1957 designed curves every two miles on average to allow for a variation in the road conditions.

Many other roadways are built with rumble strips or other variations in the scenery to reduce the monotony of the road.

Highway hypnosis occurs more than people would like to believe. However, there are ways to help prevent highway hypnosis.

Take frequent rests on a long trip to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

Try not to drive during the hours that you are normally sleeping.

Bring a road trip partner along and make conversation.

Don’t eat a big meal before beginning a long car ride.

Open the windows and get circulation going.

Keep your eyes moving between your mirrors and the road to improve conscious thought.

If you are still unable to fend of feelings of drowsiness or some of the other symptoms of hypnosis, pull over and take a long rest until you feel more capable to drive.

T

oday’s drivers rely heavily on GPS technology, or global positioning system devices. GPS has revolutionized the way people drive and use maps and directions.

road trips, there are some tips to keep in mind.

While there are no hard statistics on the number of people who own GPS devices, thousands of people have either a GPS device that comes pre-equipped in a car that they purchased or a stand-alone device that was bought after the fact. These devices come pre-loaded with maps that work with satellites in space. The GPS receiver figures out the distance to each and uses this information to deduce the location of the device in a process called trilateration.

• Don’t treat the GPS as if it is infallible. Even with map updates and other accessories, a GPS can still make mistakes.

Use common sense, especially where it would seem the GPS is guiding you in the wrong way.

GPS devices have made paper maps obsolete for many people. While GPS devices can be very convenient, especially on

• Place the GPS device where it won’t obstruct your vision or take your eyes off of the road for a good deal of time.

• Do not play with the controls while operating the car. If you need to adjust something on the GPS, do so only after pulling over to a safe area.

• Have a general idea where you are going so you’ll know if the GPS is potentially guiding you in the wrong direction and can maneuver in advance.

13

WWW.THEINTELLIGENCER.COM • March 22, 2012

There are certain tips that can reduce the chances of a deer and vehicle collision.

Keep in mind that deer are most active between 6 and 9pm.

At dusk, they may be harder to see.

Take note of posted deer crossing signs. These are erected in places where deer are most actively crossing.

OH ‘DEER’:

Get the facts about this road hazard

D

eer can be found all over the country, and healthy deer populations are increasingly creeping into residential and urban areas seeking food and mates thanks to developments encroaching on deer habitats. This increases the chances of motorists having run-ins with deer on the roadways around their homes and places of business.

State Farm® estimates that 2.3 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the United States during the two-year period between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010.

That number marks a 21.1 percent increase in the number of incidents from statistics gathered just five years earlier.

West Virgina and Iowa rank first and second, respectively, as the states where a driver is most likely to collide with a deer.

Vehicular crashes can cause serious damage to a car and even be fatal. According to National Geographic, the average whitetailed deer can stand at 6-feet-tall and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. That animal stands as a formidable foe should a collision with a car occur. It may seem like one is hitting into a barrier or an impenetrable object.

Although fall, when deer are migratory

and seeking mates, is the prime season for collisions with deer, collisions can occur throughout the year.

The spring is when females give birth to their young, so speckled fawns may inadvertently dart across the road with mothers chasing after them. The displacement of deer habitats due to urban sprawl also magnifies the problem of risking an accident with deer.

Deer generally travel in herds.

So drivers who see one deer should expect to see others nearby.

Use highbeams when driving at night to better illuminate rural areas.

Drive slowly in areas where deer are likely to be, such as by open fields.

Car-mounted deer whistles are not a reliable deterrent.

Do not swerve erratically to avoid a deer collision. This can result in a collision with another car and increase risk of injury and damage.

In areas where deer collisions are prevalent, extra insurance coverage may be needed on vehicles. Therefore, drivers should speak with their insurance providers.

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14

March 22, 2012 • THE EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER

Safe ways to

TAKE PETS ON THE ROAD To those who feel a vacation isn’t complete unless the family pet comes along, you’re not alone.

The U.S. Travel Association says that 49 percent of Americans feel the pet is just another member of the family and 18 percent of U.S. travelers plan to take their pets along the next time they travel. Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States have softened laws regarding international travel with a companion animal. With the Pet Passport Scheme, or PETS, individuals may travel freely with

their pets to member countries on approved carriers. Some procedures include certification of rabies vaccination and the animal’s microchip or tattoo number.

Car trips are common forms of travel with a companion animal in tow. While many pets are easygoing, there are some who are unaccustomed to traveling with their owners and may even balk at riding along. Acclimating and protecting your pet for travel will require a little patience and some pointers.

Secure the pet

place, just like home.

Comfort and care

Just as you would buckle up when entering the car, so should you buckle up a pet. It is important to ensure the animal is not a moving target around the car should an accident occur. Not only could you risk injury to the pet, but you also risk injury to yourself if the animal becomes a projectile.

Even after several attempts to acclimate your pet to the idea of a car trip, the animal may still not be happy about the idea. Talk to a veterinarian about other strategies or whether a mild sedative could make the travel easier.

An animal out of his or her environment or element could become skittish. Try to keep a pet’s feeding schedule as close to normal as possible.

This will minimize the chances of discomfort or even digestive aggravation. Bring along bottled water or tap water from home because drinking water from an unfamiliar area could result in unwanted digestive distress, which could prove uncomfortable for pet and owner alike.

Even if an accident does not occur, a jittery pet, or one who is content to jump from back seat into the front, could prove a distraction while driving.

He or she could also bump into the gear shift or get stuck under the gas or brake pedal.

It is much better to keep the pet secured.

Pets may travel in a wellventilated carrier. Larger dogs may need to be belted into the car with a special dog harness.

There are also barrier screens and gates that can be installed, typically in SUVs, to restrict the pet.

Acclimation Some pets just do not enjoy being placed in a carrier or riding in a car. They may need some coaxing and practice to become comfortable if a trip is planned. The ASPCA suggests getting the pet used to a longer trip by taking a series of short trips first over the course of a few days or weeks. With each trip, gradually increase time spent in the car.

It may help to bring along a pet toy or blanket that is soothing to the animal, so he or she associates the car with a safe

Safety tips Although many pet owners are aware of certain dos and don’ts when it comes to traveling with a pet, many still engage in behavior that could be dangerous to the animal.

One of the common offenses is letting the pet ride with his or her head outside of the window. While this may seem like heaven to the dog or cat, this puts the pet at risk of being injured by flying objects, including debris in the eyes.

It can also increase the risk of the animal falling out of the moving vehicle.

Another mistake many people make is leaving the pet inside of a car — even for a short duration of time. The ASPCA warns that even with the windows open, a parked car can rapidly heat up and heatstroke can occur. A similar thing takes place in the winter with the car getting much too cold. If you anticipate having to make stops, be sure to go where you can take the pet out and along with you.

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As an added precaution, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, says the ASPCA. This helps if the animal gets carsick or has an accident. Removable seat covers can also prove advantageous for collecting fur and keeping the interior of the car less messy than need be.

Identification It is important to always carry proper identification for your pet, as well as documentation of vaccinations. For those who have not yet microchipped their companion animal, now may be the time to do so. The microchip is a very small device implanted under the skin of the pet, usually by the scruff of the neck. It will transmit contact information when a specialized transmitter is waved over the microchip.

There’s also the old-fashioned method of having your dog or cat collared with an ID tag.

Using this in conjunction with a leash and harness will help reduce the chances of losing your pet while on the road.

MATURE

Lifestyles

January 2012

15

WWW.THEINTELLIGENCER.COM • March 22, 2012

Debunking POPULAR AUTOMOTIVE MYTHS

C

ertain myths about automobiles have been around as long as there have been cars on the road. Many drivers adhere to driving and repair theories out of sheer force of habit, without ever knowing if these strategies are legitimate.

Here are some common myths revealed and debunked.

High-octane gas improves performance in all vehicles.

Most cars will not get any added benefits from the use of high octane fuel, which is designed for higherperformance engines that burn hotter than those of most vehicles.

Drivers will only waste their money putting in more expensive gas.

Always use the fuel recommended in the owner’s manual.

Longer cars are more stable.

Many believe the longer the wheelbase the more stable the car will be. But wheelbase is only one of the factors that determines a vehicle’s stability and reaction time.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles are invincible in poor weather.

Four-wheel-drive capabilities may improve traction and handling when driving off-road or when the road conditions are not ideal. But no car is invincible when it comes to driving on snow and ice.

Side mirrors are properly adjusted when you can see the side of the car in them.

Actually, the mirrors should be adjusted so you can’t see the sides of the car. The mirrors work in concert to allow a panoramic view around the car. This eliminates the need to turn your head to check blind spots, which takes your eyes off the road.

Automatic braking system (ABS) was designed to shorten stopping distances.

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ABS was created to give drivers the ability to steer around obstacles while braking instead of spinning out of control.

Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.

There’s no need to change engine oil that frequently, as motor oils today are much more durable and protect engines for longer distances.

Unleaded fuels and clean-burning engines typically require oil changes every 7,000 to 10,000 miles, but consult your owner’s manual.

There is a 72-hour “cooling off period” offered on automotive sales in the U.S. There is no such provision for auto purchases, as there is for many consumer products and even home sale contracts. Once you buy a car, you’re stuck with it, no matter how quickly you begin to experience buyer’s remorse.

Myths prevail in daily life and in the automotive realm as well.

Know the facts to avoid losing money or being unsafe on the road.

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March 22, 2012 • THE EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER

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