Fall on the Road -2013

a special supplement to media solutions

October 2013

PREPARE FOR WINTER DRIVING

Make sure your vehicle is ready

TIRE BUYING

Making smart tire choices

NEW OR USED? What is the best car for you?

RIDE IN STYLE

Upgrade your vehicle

When you have a collision, make the right decision.

“We build our business one customer at a time” NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL TRIPLE PLAY CAR WASH

FREE*

($64.99 Value)

With Any Collision Repair

*Must present coupon. Expires 11/30/2013.

I-FCC

The mission of South Side’s Allstar Collision Center is to bring into existence a state of the art, environmentally advanced collision center. We will pursue the highest quality of collision repair, the fastest car turnaround time, and the best customer ser vice that exceeds the expectations of our client which leaves a memorable, lasting impression.

So the next time you have an accident, you will want to bring your vehicle back to us!

1709 Troy Road • Edwardsville • 656-1991 www.southsideallstarcc.com

Page 2

Fall Care Care - Wednesday, September 25, 2013 — www.theintelligencer.com

Preparation is the key to winter driving

(BPT) - Driving during the cold winter months can have a hazardous effect on commuting motorists and their passengers.

Even the most experienced drivers may find the simplest errand a tough feat, especially if their vehicles are not properly prepared for the challenging conditions winter often brings.

Safety and preservation of your vehicle during the winter months should be a top priority.

Start the season off right by winterizing your vehicle before taking to the road. Here are some helpful tips to help you arrive safely to your destination: • Traction is key: With hazardous winter weather ahead, now is not the time to ignore your tires. For optimum traction to navigate harsh winter conditions with confidence, consider installing a set of winter tires on your vehicle. Goodyear has a wide range of winter tires to help meet the driving needs of virtually every consumer. Winter tires are typically designed with a specialized rubber compound that maintains its flexibility in cold weather. This helps the tire to adapt to the road surface and dig into snow and ice.

• Temperature matters: Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to remember the benefits of having winter tires. Winter tires contain rubber compounds for traction and grip in cold weather. Most tire manufacturers recommend that winter tires should be considered when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Service your vehicle: Be prepared for what Mother Nature throws your way by making sure you have enough antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid.

For a correct amount of antifreeze to withstand the winter temperatures, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze to water is sufficient. You can go through windshield wiper fluid in one snowstorm, so be sure to completely fill your vehicle's reservoir before the first snowfall hits. It may be useful to buy extra, but make sure it is high-quality, "no-freeze" fluid.

• Inflation is essential: Keep in mind that when the temperature drops 10 degrees, the air pressure in your tires decreases by about one or two PSI. Proper tire inflation is essential for vehicle stability, fuel efficiency, optimum steering, grip, wear and load-carrying capabilities. During these winter months, it's recommended to check your tires' air pressure at least monthly.

• Practice makes perfect: It's important to be alert when driving on snowcovered roadways because slush, ice and other hazards make it difficult to change lanes and handle your vehicle. In order to know how your vehicle performs in the winter weather, it may be helpful to practice driving techniques in an empty, open parking lot. Refer to your owner's manual to fully understand your vehicle's braking and traction control systems.

• Stock your vehicle: No one wants to break down, especially in cold weather, so keeping a kit with essential items is helpful in case of emergencies. Some essential items to include are blankets, water bottles, a first aid kit, jumper cables, shovel/ ice scraper, road flares, a candle and matches.

For more helpful car care advice or information for your vehicle, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyear.com.

BPT photo

Be sure you're ready when the snow and ice cover the roads.

Buying a new car may be cheaper than you think (BPT) - Are you driving around in a car that's a decade or more old? If so, you're not alone.

The number of older vehicles on the road in the United States has increased by more than 17 million since 2009, according to Experian Automotive.

The average age of the more than 245 million vehicles on U.S. roads is up to a nationwide-high of 11 years old.

As your car ages and the miles pile up, it's important to consider your options before you're left on the side of the road wondering why you didn't upgrade sooner.

While buying a new car might seem like the pricier way to go, just think of the costs you pay to keep your old car running - constant trips to the shop for repairs can certainly start to add up

Average age of the American car at all-time high of 11 years and often come without warning.

But buying a new car these days doesn't have to break the bank, either.

With new safety features including crash avoidance technology and antitheft systems, you can actually save some money in the long run, especially when it comes to insurance coverage.

Erie Insurance vice president of personal lines underwriting, David Freeman, speaks from personal experience.

He recently traded his 2007 two-door coupe for a brand new 2013 compact SUV, which includes anti-lock brakes, air bags, a back-up camera and electronic stability control, and his car

insurance rate actually went down by 3 percent.

"Safety features for older cars were all designed to protect occupants in a crash. Today's technology is designed to help avoid the crash entirely," says Freeman. "Cars with the latest safety features tend to crash less, and insurers take that into account when setting rates. On the flip side, older vehicles on the road do not have these latest technological safety features, so they tend to crash more and therefore may cost more to insure."

Here are 10 increasingly common new-car features that could help reduce your insurance premiums. Some

include specific insurance discounts, while others simply lower the overall cost of insurance because of their positive effect on reducing crashes or thefts.

1. Air bags 2. Anti-lock brakes 3. Passive restraint systems 4. Alarm systems/anti-theft devices 5. Automatic vehicle disabling devices 6. Back-up cameras 7. Electronic stability control 8. Automatic braking systems 9. Intelligent cruise control 10. Lane departure warning systems Because discounts vary by state and

coverage, you'll want to talk to your insurance agent.

Also, some of these discounts will be applied automatically when you tell your agent what kind of car you drive, but it's always a good idea to double check to make sure you're getting all the discounts you deserve.

To find an Erie Insurance agent near you, or for more information on how to reduce your insurance rates, please visit www.erieinsurance.com.

So if you think it might be time to spend money on an upgrade, remember which features could not only make you safer, but also save you money on your insurance premiums.

You might be able to put the money you save toward another new car 11 years from now.

COUPON

109

Fall Special $

MARYVILLE 14 Schiber Ct., Maryville, IL 62062 288-7272

Your Trusted Dealership Alternative Since 1980

Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Auto Service That’s Perfect For You!

Also Located at

All Makes & Models, Cars, SUVs, Mini Vans & Pickups

ALTON 3474 E. Broadway Alton, IL 62002 465-9132

OIL CHANGE $

COUPON

OIL CHANGE

ALIGNMENT

$

with FREE Rotation & Brake Inspection

2495*

$

5995*

Get $10 OFF with a 2 or 4 tire purchase.

*2 wheel alignment, most vehicles.

Additional cost for cams or shims if needed.

Expires 12/21/13

Super Center

Road Trip Special

260 E. CENTER DR. at Alton Square Mall

465-6272 Hours 7am-7pm Mon-Fri • 7am-5pm Sat 9am-5pm Sun

OFF BRAKE SALE 25%

OFF Brake Pads

FREE BRAKE INSPECTIONS

Get ready for the holiday season

Has Summer Taken A Toll On Your Car? Fall into Mark Muffler & Auto Repair

FREE OIL CHANGE

Must present coupon prior to service. Offer expires 11/30/13.

COUPON

AND OUR NEWEST LOCATION

We have loaner cars & courtesy cars available.

with purchase of 4 Tires!

*Full synthetic & Diesel extra.Expires 12/31/13

*Full synthetic & Diesel extra.Expires 12/31/13

17.95

99*

Includes up to 5 qts of Castrol Synthetic blend oil, oil filter, chassis lube (when applicable) & safety inspection.

Includes up to 5 qts of Castrol Synthetic blend oil, oil filter, chassis lube (when applicable) & safety inspection. Our oil is GM Dexos Approved.

Most cars. Must present coupon prior to service. Offer expires 11/30/13.

I-9/13

Tire Rotation, Coolant Flush, Battery Check & 27 pt. Inspection

*Limited offer applies to most cars & light trucks

I-9/13

The BEST is hard to find! Call for directions.

503 E. Vandalia • Edwardsville 618-656-8447

MARK

MUFFLER & AUTO REPAIR

Oil e Chang $ 29.95*

BRAKES MAINTENANCE

Trained A+ Rating

AIR COND.

Trained

www.edwardsvilleauto.com

Certified Service Center

TIRES

For ALL your automotive needs.

692-0700

Servicing The Edwardsville Area For 30 Years

Lou Hogan

We Check Engine Lights!

Fall Car Care - Tuesday, September 24, 2013 — www.theintelligencer.com

Tips on making smart tire choices

The right choice can increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency, handling (BPT) - Choices are good, but sometimes they can be annoying. Case in point is the daily onslaught of trivial-like questions, such as: tall or grande, paper or plastic, regular or unleaded, credit or debit?

The questions may seem never-ending, but being able to pick and choose is a good thing and really important in getting the right result.

A good example is tires: Lots and lots of brands to choose from, but getting the right type of tire is vital because it impacts your vehicle's ride, handling, comfort and even fuel efficiency.

Tires certainly look simple - black and round - but they are highly-engineered technical wonders designed to work in concert with a vehicle's braking and steering systems.

However, knowing which type of tire to get can be kind of tricky. For instance, there are high-performance (HP) tires, as well as ultra high-performance (UHP). How different are they and how can you tell which one will work better for you?

"It's a good question and one I get all the time," says Andrew Briggs, director of marketing and product planning for Yokohama Tire Corporation, maker of a variety of truck and car tires. "Consumers are smart to ask because they want to know what's best for their driving and their vehicle."

Briggs says both UHP and HP tires provide excellent traction and control for sporty sedans like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, as well as sleek sports cars like Porsches. Performance tires can also be categorized into summer and all-season types.

Summer tires provide great handling in dry and wet conditions, while all-season tires are designed to perform in a wide range of weather, including moderate winter conditions and cold temperatures.

"We make an AVID ENVigor that's classi-

BPT photo

Help is available from professionals when choosing tires. fied as an HP tire and two new UHP tires, the ADVAN Sport V105 and the ADVAN Neova AD08 R," says Briggs. -"The differ-

ence between the two types of tires is significant to meet the demands they fulfill."

UHP tires typically give drivers a firmer,

sportier, and more responsive feel, aided by their tread designs and compounds, which are designed to provide increased

Page 3

levels of grip. In addition, higher speed ratings distinguish a UHP from an HP tire.- "When consumers shop for tires, it's important that they match the tire speed rating and load index required by their car or truck," says Briggs.

"Buying lower speed-rated tires could negatively affect the vehicle's overall performance and handling."Once a consumer selects the tire that best meets their need, Briggs contends that keeping the tires properly maintained and being a smart driver can make a great choice even better. Here are some of his tips: • Keep your tires properly inflated.

You can lower your gasoline bill and get additional miles out of your tires by maintaining correct tire inflation pressure. To maintain proper inflation, check your tire pressure regularly and with a reliable tire gauge. Be sure the valve stems have a plastic or metal cap to keep dirt out and seal against leakage. Be sure to check also when the tires are cold (at least three to four hours after the vehicle has been driven).

• Tire alignment should be checked once a year. Misaligned tires can reduce tread life and fuel economy.

• Taking off from a stoplight like a rocket and then slamming on the brakes to stop uses gas at a much faster rate.

Accelerating less and slowing moderately can increase fuel efficiency by more than 30 percent. Also, many traffic lights are timed for efficient traffic flow, so you'll hit more green lights in a row by maintaining the speed limit.

• Slow down. All vehicles lose fuel economy at speeds above 55 mph. Driving 55 mph instead of 75 mph can reduce fuel costs by up to 25 percent. Driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph can save up to 13 percent • Turn off your engine if you're stopped for more than a couple of minutes. Fuel efficiency savings of up to 19 percent are possible by not letting your engine idle too long while stationary.

For additional tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com or www. rma.org.

Make sure you're getting the most from your car (StatePoint) Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments, so taking care of your car or truck just makes good sense.

While regular wear and tear cannot be avoided over time, there are some important steps you can take to keep your vehicle on the road longer: Wash Your Car Regularly washing your car may keep you riding in style, but a clean vehicle is not just for appearances.

Keeping your car or truck clean and free of debris and detrimental road salt will prevent rusting and

costly repairs down the line.

Oil Changes and Filters To protect your engine, follow your manufacturer ’s recommended oil change intervals. Instead of conventional oil, consider using high performance synthetic motor oil designed to reduce wear, heat and fuel consumption.

Just like motor oil, not all oil filters are of the same quality -- filters can be classified as “economy,” “better,” and “best. Since the oil filter prevents contaminants from circulating through the system and causing damage, opting for a premium oil filter will

• Heating & A/C • Brakes & Exhaust • Diagnostics • Much More!

extend the life of your vehicle.

For example, Royal Purple oil filters use microglass filter technology. Advanced micro-glass oil filters are designed to extend the life of vehicles and equipment. In addition to superior filtration media, the other internal and structural components are of higher quality materials, making for easier installation and removal as they are much less prone to crush while installing or removing.

More information on motor oil and filters can be found at www.RoyalPurpleConsumer.com.

Smoother Driving

C

The way you drive can affect your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Take care to accelerate and decelerate smoothly. Not only will you increase your fuel economy, but you’ll extend the life of your brake pads.

Avoid feel-good driving maneuvers like revving the engine and try not to drive on a nearly empty gas tank. Neither of these behaviors is good for your engine, and could result in costly repairs.

By following a maintenance routine and practicing good driving habits, you can extend the life of your vehicle well after driving it off the lot.

EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON 2 Miles North of I-270 on IL Hwy 159

www.cassenssons.com

See Us For All Your Automotive Needs 2 Miles North of I270 on Hwy. 159

459 E. Vandalia • Edwardsville • 656-0155

656-6070 EXPRESS LANE, No Appointment Necessary

MON-FRI • 8 AM - 5 PM • OWNER, KEVIN PROTT

Complete Car Care Treat your car right with proper maintenance from the professionals

FREE Winter Checklist

• Detailing

• Tires

• Glass

• Collision Repair

• Accessories

• Paintless Dent Removal

• Alignment

CASSENS BODY SHOP

with Oil Change

ONLY $29.00

We Work With ALL Insurance Companies!

Must present this coupon.

“Friendly, Family Owned Auto Repair Since 1965”

NATIONAL BRAKE & AUTOMOTIVE 903 Hillsboro Ave., Edwardsville, IL Call 618.656.0267 for Appointment

• Oil & Filters

Open: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Mopar Replacements Parts

Collision Repair Body Repair Paint Repair Ding & Dent Repair Insurance Repair Paintless Dent Repair Hail Repair Car Rental Service

Page 4

Fall Care Care - Wednesday, September 25, 2013 — www.theintelligencer.com

Stay safe when driving with a dog

(BPT) - It's only natural for man's best friend to stay close by his master's side, but for dog owners who drive frequently, bringing Fido along for the ride can be risky. The problem is particularly worrisome for older drivers; a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham showed that for people 70 years and older, crash rates were higher among those who frequently drove with pets in the car. But for many drivers, leaving precious pets behind isn't an option. The best compromise is to find solutions that will get you from point A to point B without compromising the safety of human or animal passengers.

Distracted driving is a growing concern and a loose pet in the car certainly numbers among the potential hazards that can take your eyes - and mind - off the road and lead to accidents. While older drivers might not be as likely to be distracted by texting or smartphone surfing, even those who have spent many years navigating the roads need to honestly assess how having a pet in the car can divert their attention away from the road.

To stay safe on the road when Fido is with you, remember these tips: • Don't allow pets in the front seats. Having a pet sit on your lap is obviously distracting, but if he's in the front passenger seat, the problem can be just as bad. In the front seats, your pet is more likely to be within your line of sight and obstruct your view of the road. An unrestrained dog in the front seats could also be easily injured if you have to slam on the brakes or swerve, or are hit from behind. The force with which airbags deploy also poses a safety hazard for dogs in the front seat - if you're in an accident and

they inflate and hit your dog, he could easily sustain an injury.

• Create separation. There are a variety of pet barriers on the market that can keep your pet from moving between the front and back seats of your car. Installing a barrier will help keep your pet out of your way and diminish concerns about him being propelled forward in case you have to make a sudden stop.

• Restrain your pet. There are a number of options for pet restraints in your vehicle. Pet seatbelts and car seats will help keep a dog safely in place. Keeping a crate in the car is also a good option. Make sure it's secured and large enough so that he can stand up, turn around and comfortably sit or lay down. Add a soft pad in the bottom of the crate and it might just become your pet's favorite new way to travel.

• Brush up on your driving skills. Today's driving environment is probably very different than it was when you first got your license. A refresher course, like those offered by AARP Driver Safety, is an ideal way to ensure that your skills are up to date. Brushing up on defensive driving techniques and the essential rules of the road will help keep everyone in your car safe - and you may even qualify for a multi-year automobile insurance discount from your insurance company (check with your agent for details). AARP Driver Safety courses are available in a classroom or online setting, in both English and Spanish.

Pets are important members of the family, so it's only right that drivers consider their safety, just as they would for any other passenger. For more safe driving tips and information about AARP Driver Safety, visit www.aarp.org/drive.

BPT photo

Dogs love riding in cars. Make sure to keep them – and yourself – safe.

Balance the pros and cons between new and used

BPT photo

Explore your options before buying a car – new or used.

(BPT) - Conventional wisdom says that a new car will always cost you more than a used one. Why? There's a higher price tag and you have to face the depreciation that comes when you drive off the dealer's lot.

Previously, if you were looking to save money, used vehicles were thought to be the best option. However, as supply may not be meeting demand, conventional wisdom may not hold true.

"Several years ago, we would have advised shoppers to go the used route in order to save money, but in the current economic state, used car prices have skyrocketed, which could make buying new just as economical," says Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief of Cars.com.

Experts suggest that the sluggish economy pushed more people out of the newcar market and into the used-car market.

This resulted in a strain on used inventories, jacking up prices. Additionally, the 2009 Cash for Clunkers program also removed more than a million used cars from the market.

"It's all about supply and demand," says Olsen.

"Low supply means car shoppers can expect to pay a premium for a

used car that would usually be affordable, since new cars are so much more plentiful."

While used-car prices have dropped a little in recent months, they remain high compared to historical standards. Aside from looking just at cost, experts like Olsen, say that buying new or used has many different benefits.

Some of the advantages to buying a new car: • Reduced maintenance expense, largely because of warranty coverage • Free roadside assistance • Often lower financing charges, which can be spread over a longer loan term • Peace of mind knowing that you are the first owner • That unique feeling of owning something brand-new On the contrary, there is a definite case to be made for buying used. "If you aren't married to the idea of buying a new car, used vehicles also offer some great benefits," says Olsen. "The top perk remains affordability. Buying used can often let buyers drive a nicer, more luxurious car than they could afford if buying new."

Other benefits of buying used: • Someone else paid for the deprecia-

tion • Often there is leftover warranty coverage Another trend that makes buying used an intriguing option is the proliferation of certified pre-owned programs. The idea started with luxury brands, but today, most manufacturers have these programs.

"Consumers can be assured that they are getting a great car when buying through a certified program," says Olsen.

"Only newer, low-mileage cars are usually included, and they have to undergo a rigorous inspection by the manufacturer to be considered for the program."

Certified vehicles are normally covered by a new warranty that extends beyond the original factory warranty. There are also sometimes special low-financing options for certified vehicles.

What the future holds for the great new or used debate remains uncertain, but the improving economy has resulted in record-breaking new-car sales in 2013.

"This means that, in theory, the supply of used cars should go back to normal, and buying used should once again be cheaper than buying new," Olsen says.

Jack’s Auto Repair

ILLINOIS US

66

See Us For All Your Automotive Needs!

• Brakes • Oil Change • Engine Repair • Emissions • Electrical • Check Engine Light

2nd Annual

601 N. Main St., Edwardsville, IL

KIDS’ ACTIVITY DAY

618-656-5362

Saturday, November 23 • 11 am-3 pm Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Campus SIUE Student Activity center • Inflatables • Face Painting • Kids Crafts • ...and Much More

• Sponsor One Inflatable • One Free Vendor Booth • Name in All Promo Ads • Two Quarter-Page Ads

Silver Sponsorship $500

• Sponsor a Game or Activity • One Free Vendor Booth • Name in All Promo Ads • One Quarter-Page Ad

CAULK’S COLLISION & TOWING CENTER

EXCELLENCE GUARANTEED

FREE ESTIMATES

Great opportunity for you to “meet & greet” members of our community!

Gold Sponsorship $1000

Mon- Fri 8 am - 6 pm • Saturday by Appointment

Vendor Booth $250

• Name in All Promo Ads • Two 12” Ads Promoting Booth We provide table & covering.

WHY TRUST YOUR REPAIR TO JUST ANY BODY SHOP?

20

$

PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL

OFF a Detail Package

*Must be valued at $3999 or More.

Second Location:

Contact Amy at 618 . 656 . 4700 Ex. 35

CAULK’S Collision & Towing Center 7157 Marine Rd. • Edwardsville, IL (618) 656-1093 • www.caulkscollision.com

Auto XTREME Collision Center 412 N. Douglas • St. Jacob, IL (618) 644-5810

Fall Car Care - Tuesday, September 24, 2013 — www.theintelligencer.com

Upgrades to enhance your ride

(BPT) - Fall has finally arrived, meaning it's time for the kids to hit the school books. And as the leaves gradually morph from green to gold, your driving schedule quickly accelerates from leisurely cruising to nonstop go, go, go.

Besides taking the kids to and from school, there are plenty of after-school activities - football practice, cheerleading tryouts, piano lessons and math tutors - that require additional drive time. Maybe a big-game tailgating party is on the agenda, too?

Before the crazed driving crunch hits, you might want to make sure your car, truck, SUV or van is ready for the back-to-school rush and good to go through the fast-approaching holiday season. According to Peter MacGillivray, vice president of events and communication for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), an automotive trade organization with 6,500-plus member companies, there are endless amounts of innovative auto-enhancing products to help during the frantic driving season. "For 50-plus years, SEMA-member companies have been designing and producing clever, high-tech products that improve a vehicle's appearance, comfort, performance and even fuel-savings," said MacGillivray.

Consumers can find these products and more at www.enjoythedrive. com.

"As families go back to school, many find themselves spending more time in their vehicles. There are automotive accessories that can make the overall ride better and a lot less stressful."

1. Sit down: Best way to make passengers (and yourself) happy is to be comfortable. There are plenty of aftermarket seat-enhancing products

BPT photo

Specialty equipment can make any trip more enjoyable. from soft cushions to luxurious new car seats. There are also high-tech booster chairs and seats that have folding desks/trays which are ideal for last-minute homework.

2. Child alert: For the ultimate in

safety there are "future-is-now" seats with phone apps that detect and warn when the child wiggles out of the seat and another that has a mobile notification system to alert parents if they accidently left a child in a car seat. It

also provides detailed information about the temperature inside the car.

3. Strap in: There are lots of stops on the school run and during holiday madness, so safety is top of mind.

There are myriad types of safety belts

and restraint options to hold you and the family securely in place.

4. Just in case: With the long line of impatient parents waiting to drop off or pick up their kids at school, fender benders happen. A flexible rubber

Page 5

license plate bumper will help protect your vehicle - and everybody else's - from low-speed damage.

5. Cleanup duty: Breakfast on the run with kids can be messy. Check out the many choices of stylish seat covers and floor mats before the Cap'n Crunch and milk gets everywhere. If disaster does strike, there are several car care products that clean leather, plastic, carpet and windows.

6. Plug in: A good GPS system will solve the problem of getting lost with the kiddos. There's a touch mirror display option that has a GPS and a backup camera in a universally mountable rearview mirror. If your engine light is on, there's a product that captures the trouble code, takes you to a website to explain the problem and suggests solutions. And if you can't find your car, there's an electronic auto finder to help locate it.

7. Hold it: It's not safe to try and juggle cell phones and tablets while driving. Same goes for hot coffee.

Luckily there are articulated mounting systems for technology devices and drinks that can be mounted on the seats and/or dash.

8. Tire talk: With all the summer driving you've done, now might be the time for new tires.

At the very least, check your tire pressure every month. The correct tire pressure lengthens tire life, saves fuel and enhances safety. A slick digital tire pressure gauge makes it easy.

"These are just a few samples of the aftermarket products available for your vehicle," says MacGillivray.

"Most auto parts stores and national chains carry them, and you can easily find them online, too."

Simple ways for older drivers to save on auto insurance (BPT) - Are your auto insurance premiums too high? Maybe they are, but not for reasons you might think. Insurance companies aren't charging you higher premiums because you're in an over-50 age group. You may be paying too much because you haven't done anything to lower the cost of your premiums. Check out these money-saving tips - they could be right up your alley.

• Comparison shop. You don't need to stay with the same insurance company forever. Prices vary from company to company. Just be sure you discuss the identical

coverage with each company representative. Also, don't go by price alone. Consider the company's reputation, customer service and available discounts. Look online at customer reviews to get a better picture.

• Combine policies with one carrier. You may save money if you insure all your vehicles on a single policy. Your premium may also go down if you have life or homeowners' insurance with that company, too.

• Consider asking about higher deductibles. In some cases, if you increase your deductible, you

could lower your premiums. Of course, that means you'll have to pay more money out-of-pocket if you're in an accident.

• Take an AARP Driver Safety course. Available both online and in the classroom - in English and Spanish - this course teaches valuable defensive driving techniques and provides a refresher about the rules of the road. When you complete the course, you could qualify for a multi-year discount from your auto insurance company (check with your insurance agent for more details). Visit www. aarp.org/drive to find a course in

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR COUPONS AND DEALS!

www.raintunnelexpress.com

your area.

• Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage.

It may not make financial sense to pay premiums over many years to maintain collision and comprehensive coverage. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). But don't drop your liability coverage, which can help cover expenses for property or bodily damage you cause while driving your car.

• Take advantage of low-mile-

age discounts. Some carriers offer discounts to drivers who put less than a predetermined number of miles on their vehicles each year. If you're only using your car to drive to your kids' houses, the grocery store, the mall and the gym, this could be a money-saving opportunity. * Ask about car-safety discounts.

Some insurers give discounts for having certain safety devices in your car, such as air bags, automatic safety belts, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, or even an approved alarm system. In addition to lowering your premium,

these features will help keep you safe on the road. * If you're in the market for a new car, consider purchasing a low-profile vehicle. It's more expensive to insure a vehicle that's expensive to repair, popular with thieves or known for not having a good safety record. To find out vehicles' risk levels, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website.

Everyone's trying to save money these days. By following these tips, you'll be in the driver's seat when it comes to auto insurance premiums.

Page 6

Fall Care Care - Wednesday, September 25, 2013 — www.theintelligencer.com

Setting New Standards • Sporting Events • Hunting Trips • Fall Vacations • Weekend Getaways • College Trips

Tri Ford Rental

12610 St. Rt. 143, Highland, IL • 618-654-2122 VEHICLE TYPE

DAILY RATE

WEEKLY MONTHLY RATE RATE

FUSION

$32.00

$200.00

FOCUS

ESCAPE

$28.00 $35.00

$180.00

$650.00

$225.00

$800.00

$250.00

$900.00

1/2 TON TRUCK $45.00

$275.00

$1000.00

$70.00

CLUB WAGON $75.00 (SEATS 8) EXPEDITION E.L. $95.00 & CLUB WAGON (SEATS 12) FREE MILEAGE

$465.00

$1500.00

$500.00

$1700.00

$625.00

$2200.00

200 2000 10000 PER DAY PER WEEK PER MONTH

• 15¢ cents per mile if you exceed the free mileage.

• 6% Sales tax is calculated on total bill • All drivers must be 23 Years of age or older • You must have a valid drivers license (we cannot accept a ticket) • You must have a major credit card • You must have proof of full coverage insurance.

10% OFF Rental

Expires 10/31/13 - Rental must start on or before 10/31/13.

IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CALL AHEAD FOR A RESERVATION!

www.triford.com

No Appointment Necessary

www.X2collision.com

SIMPLY THE BEST

$700.00

TAURUS/EDGE $40.00 FLEX

FREE ESTIMATES

COLLISION COMPLETE AUTO BODY DY REP DY REPA R RE REPAIR PA P AIR INSURANCE CLAIM SPECIALISTS ALL TECHNICIANS CERTIFIED

618-344-9922 Hwy 159 at 55-70 Maryville, IL

SCOTT JENNINGS - OWNER HOURS: MON-FRI 8-5 SAT 9-12

Cards ®

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-2pm PARTS, CARS, LIGHT & HEAVY TRUCKS, EQUIPMENT, SEMIS & MORE

YOU PULL IT! 618-931-2644 2188 HWY 111 • GRANITE CITY, IL 62040

www.111SALVAGE.COM