Fall home, garden & car care

SEPTEMBER 2015

Fall home Rice County

FARIBAULT

Daily News

Northfield News

&

Fall Car Care

PAGE 2

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

SEPTEMBER 2015

What’s Inside

Fall is the perfect time to add insulation to your attic and the Owens Corning® AttiCat® Blow-in Insulation system is an easy way to do it.

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• Appraisals

The Garden Shed ..............................................................................3

• Agricultural Property Management

Honeycrisp: The one that started it all.............................................4

• Agricultural Real Estate Sales

Best Crops for Fall .............................................................................5

• Commercial Property Management www.ummc.co

• Commercial Leasing New Ulm, MN 507.359.2004

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Faribault, MN 866.332.8211

Bulbs Bulbs Bulbs

Tulips • Daffodils • Hyacinth • Muscari Crocus • Allium and much more

Protect Pipes from Cold ....................................................................6 Fall Planting for Exceptional Fall Color ............................................7 Preparing for Winter ..........................................................................8 Apple Pie Recipe ...............................................................................9 Tree and Shrubs ..............................................................................10 Throw a Harvest Party ....................................................................12 Tips when leasing a car for the first time .....................................12 Items to include in your automotive emergency kit ......................13 Do I really need to rotate my tires? ................................................14 How to handle car trouble while driving ........................................15 How to respond when encountering animals on the road ...........16 Explaining the terms listed on window stickers ............................17 How drivers can reduce fuel emissions .........................................17 It’s All In The Detail .........................................................................18 Heed the Warning ...........................................................................19

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September 2015 A special project of the Faribault Daily News, 514 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021 and Northfield News, 115 5th Street W, Northfield, MN 55057

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NorthfieldNews.com

RICE COUNTY FALL HOME, September 2015 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Northfield News and Faribault Daily News at no additional charge. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. All rights reserved. ©2015.

SEPTEMBER 2015

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

PAGE 3

The Garden Shed

Has your backyard shed become an eyesore? Are rusty metal or rotting wood the first things you notice when you head in for the mower?

Then it’s time to spend some time rejuvenating it this fall. With less than $100 and a creative eye, you can overhaul your favorite outdoor space into one you can be proud of.

Grab some paint and get ready to put in some elbow grease. You’ll be showing off your shed makeover to anyone who comes for a visit.

Add Paint Sometimes an outdated shed that has seen better days simply needs paint. Special metal paints can even cover up rusty areas that immediately draw your attention. Choose the color you’d like your shed to be and head down to the local hardware store.

Opt for tough exterior paint that can stand up to the elements, and don’t forget a separate color for the trim work.

Royal blue or dark gray is complemented wonderfully by pops of white door and window trim.

Consider matching your home’s

colors, too. If you recently resided your home with a new color, it may be time to make your outdoor structures such as garden sheds and barns match.

Focus on the Inside Once the outside is swell, it’s time to make sure you actually want to go into the shed. Incorporate shelving and smaller storage units to allow for more space. Hang your weed trimmer from the studs of the wall and organize your gas, oil and weed killer containers to free up floor space.

While painting the inside

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Landscape Integration Pre-fabricated sheds are more popular than ever. You can buy them with wraparound porches, large interior space and even lofts. With some insulation and a power source, they can even serve as guest houses.

You can make them look even better by adding landscaping around them to make them

look like part of your yard. If your storage unit doesn’t come with a deck, build a 6-inch platform. Add mulched flower beds around the edges of the shed to serve as bright, beautiful borders.

The more you treat your shed like an extension of your home, the better it will look in your yard.

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of your shed probably doesn’t make much sense, reinforcing it against the extreme hot and cold temperatures does. Add some standard insulation between the studs. Staple a plastic liner to the studs and enjoy a shed that’s cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter months.

Selling Minnesota’s finest apple varieties such as Zestar, Honeycrisp, Haralson, Fireside, Keepsake, SweetTango and SnowSweet.

Apple cider, caramel apples, fudge, donuts, pies, pumpkins, honey and more!

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FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

SEPTEMBER 2015

HONEYCRISP:

THE ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL S p o n so r e d b y F ir e s id e O r c h a r d a n d G a r d e n s 2225 L o n s d a l e B l v d . E a s t ( h i g h w a y 19 ) Northfield • 507.663.1376

By Chad Hjellming So you want an apple.

Ok, that’s great. But which kind is right for you?

Do you want sweet or tart?

Should it be hard or soft? Are you baking a pie, or eating them for a snack?

It’s a lot more sophisticated than one might think at first blush and it all started with the Honeycrisp, which was named the Minnesota State Fruit in 2006. It was given the honor because it helped revive an apple growing industry and revitalized small- to mediumsized orchards across the state, according to the University of Minnesota’s web site on the apple industry.

“It has really given everybody a shot in the arm,” said Todd Harvey, owner

Photo from www.apples.umn.edu

of Fireside Orchard and Gardens near Northfield. “It is probably the most soughtafter, anticipated and desired apple at this point. It used to be Haralson was the number one seller, but in many ways Honeycrisp has surpassed that.”

Following in the footsteps of the Honeycrisp are many more varieties for every taste.

Fireside Orchard and Gardens has more than 16 types of apples, with more on the way.

“We are approaching 20 with the new plantings,” said Harvey, adding that the SweeTango is another type people are getting excited about. “The SweeTango is an early apple, but there are others people haven’t really heard about yet, but that I think will have people excited.”

And this season, the crop

of apples and their varieties are in great shape after an excellent growing season.

“For us, the chief concern is always bad weather – hail,” he said. “This has been a wonderful season so far. It looks pretty good out there.”

Of course, Fireside Orchard and Gardens is about more than just apples.

A lot of effort goes into the beautiful rose, perennial and water gardens that are at the site, which is located west of Northfield on Highway 19 and has been in business for more than 44 years. There is a pavilion that allows customers to sit back and smell the flowers, and you can even have a picnic. Throughout the fall customers can also find pumpkins, as well as apples that will be sold throughout the end of the year.

“The SweeTango is an early apple, but there are others people haven’t really heard about yet, but that I think will have people excited,”

Todd Harvey, owner of Fireside Orchard and Gardens

TRY THESE NEW VARIETIES OF APPLES & EMBRACE THE NEW TASTE OF HARVEST TIME.

Zestar!

Deep blushed red on yellow fruit. Juicy and sweet with hints of fall spices. Sweet-tart flavor with satisfiing crunch. Crisp and juicy.

Keepsake Fireside

Very large fruit with sweet flavor and fine-grained flesh good for fresh eating, salad, and baked apples.

Prairie Spy

Large, firm, dense fruit that is excellent for baking and long-term storage.

Snowsweet® APPLE FACTS information from University of Minnesota. visit http://www.apples.umn.edu/ for more.

SweeTango

60 to 85% red fruit. Excellent for fresh eating and cooking. Excellent sweet-tart balance with a hint of brown sugar! Outstanding texture, flavor and storage life. Light, crisp and juicy.

Bronze-red blush fruit.

Excellent for fresh eating, snack trays, and salads Savory, sweet tasting, slight tart balance

Very hard and crisp with yellow flesh and an exotic sweet, spicy flavor.

Good for fresh eating and cooking.

APPLE FACTS

Sweet Sixteen Haralson

Chestnut Crabapple

Large, russeted crabapple with a rich, nutty flavor.

Best for fresh eating or sauce.

Good for fresh eating and cooking. Complex tart. Firm texture.

Regent

Red-striped apple Well-balanced flavor.Good for eating and cooking

Crisp and juicy with an exotic yellow flesh and a very sweet, unusual sugar cane or spicy cherry candy flavor.

Honeygold

Golden to yellow-green fruit. Excellent for fresh eating and cooking.

Sweet, crisp, and juicy.

Here are the types of apples at Fireside Orchard and Gardens, with their prime picking season this year listed • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Early Blush – Aug. 12 to Sept. 14 Zestar! – Aug. 21 to Sept. 14 SweeTango – Aug. 21 to Sept. 30 Chestnut Crab – Sept. 4 to Sept. 22 Honeycrisp – Sept. 8 Cortland – Sept. 16 Haralson – Sept. 18 McIntosh – Sept. 22 Sweet Sixteen – Sept. 30 U of M #1622 – Oct. 6 Regent – Oct. 8 Honeygold – Oct. 10 Fireside – Oct. 16 Prairie Spy – Oct. 17 Keepsake – Oct. 17 SnowSweet – Oct. 17

SEPTEMBER 2015

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

t s e B s p Cro for l l a F As the sun starts setting on another productive summer gardening season, it’s time to turn your attention to your fall harvest.

That’s right, you can grow bountiful produce in the cooler fall temperatures. The key to doing so is in the preparation you put into planning and readying your garden for planting.

There are many vegetable crop options that thrive in the cooler weather of autumn, so you can include fresh produce in your meals all season long.

Some fall vegetables even continue growing after the first frost. As long as you’re prepared to check in on your crops during the cold weather months, it’s time to start plotting your fall garden.

Beets Beets are about the most robust and resilient fall season plant you’ll find. They are inexpensive and non-temperamental, making for a versatile option in your garden. Another way they are versatile is in how you can use both the root and the leaves for various recipes.

When planting these vitamin-rich crops, don’t forget to dig deep so the plans stay cool.

It’s also recommended to not let the roots grow too long, as they can toughen the beet and make it harder to cook.

Carrots Carrots are the favorite autumn crop of many because of their long shelf life — up to several months — and their crisp, vibrant textures.

In the southeastern or central parts of the country, consid-

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Your Fall Home Decorating Center Pampas Grass • Corn Stalks • Broom Corn • Gourds • Indian Corn Painted Pumpkins • Straw Bales • Mums

er planting your carrots in September and expect a late winter harvest. Let them grow to full size or pick them earlier at your convenience.

Broccoli According to Organicgardening.com, broccoli is one of the best fall vegetables for the home garden. Broccoli stands up to pests and can flourish in the colder months, as well as in the springtime.

Rich in vitamins and minerals, broccoli can be started indoors from seed or planted outdoors.

You may have more luck growing broccoli indoors and transplanting it after a few weeks to help the plants stand up to the cooling temperatures in autumn.

Fresh Produce:

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FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

PROTECT PIPES FROM

COLD

SEPTEMBER 2015

Freezing pipes in the wintertime can be costly and dangerous to homeowners. What you do now in the fall can help avoid this problem.

The expansion of water when it freezes can put tremendous pressure on the pipes under your home, causing them to break.

Pipes that freeze are frequently the ones exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs and swimming pool supply lines.

Pipes that run against exterior walls that contain little or no insulation also are subject to freezing, so it’s important to know how your water lines are set up in your home.

What You Can Do There are many steps to take both before and during cold weather to protect your pipes from freezing.

The most important thing is to have a plan in action. Know how your water lines are configured and which ones may be susceptible to damage.

Consult with a local plumber to conduct a run-through of your home. A licensed professional will be able to walk you through your situation and give you tips on where you need to focus your attention.

Here are some other helpful tips recommended by the American Red Cross: • Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs.

• Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

• Check around the home for water supply lines located in unheated areas.

• Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes, such as a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape,” “heat cable,” or similar materials on exposed water pipes.

• Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes. Even inch of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children.

• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe — even at a trickle — helps prevent pipes from freezing.

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SEPTEMBER 2015

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

PAGE 7

Fall Planting for Exceptional Fall Color S p o n so r e d b y K n e c h t’s N u r s e r ie s & L a n d s c a p in g 1601 1 e t • Northfield 507-645-5015 w w w .k n e c h t s .n e t

By: Leif Knecht As the flowers of spring and summer fade away, and refreshing fall breezes usher in some of the nicest weather of the year, it’s an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials that will add wonderful fall color to your landscape. Take note of the location you are considering placing some shrubs and trees for fall and winter color. When you visit your favorite nursery, its very helpful if you know how much direct sunlight there is in that location during the long days of spring and summer, and have an idea of how well the soil drains, soil fertility, the size of the planting area and if any buried or overhead utility lines might be a problem. It never hurts to print off a few photos to bring with you so that the person helping you can give the best guidance / recommendations.

With a little basic information like this a knowledgeable nursery professional can do a better job of helping you get ideas for trees and shrubs that will thrive and show great fall color.

While there are hundreds of tree,

Purple Dome Aster

shrub and perennials varieties that can add nice fall color to your yard, I’m listing a few that I have grown to love, and that usually do well here in southern Minnesota.

TREES: Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple Apollo Sugar Maple Autumn Blaze Maple Firefall Maple Amur Maple Northern Red Oak Northern Pin Oak Dakota Pinnacle Birch Quickfire Hydrangea Tree Showy Mountain Ash Firebird Crab Red Jewell Crab Crimson Spire Oak Royal Raindrops Crab SHRUBS: Tor Spirea Grace Smokebush Red Sprite Winterberry Burning Bush Compact Amur Maple

Redtwig Dogwood varieties Bloomerang Lilac Blueberries PERENNIALS: Asters Sedum Ornamental Grasses Turtlehead For success with fall planting, you should mulch the area around the planting site with 2-3 inches of hardwood mulch. Do not cover the area with leaves, as they will blow away.

Mulch helps to retain moisture and more importantly for the approaching winter – it will help keep the cold winter winds away from getting to the root ball of the plant. An extra benefit from fall planting is the somewhat reduced need for watering, although watering is still necessary.

Have fun finding some fall and winter color for your landscape, and enjoy the fall sales available at most garden centers.

Tori Spirea

Sugar Maples Photo Credits: Debora Knecht

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FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

SEPTEMBER 2015

Preparing for Winter

Another long mowing and landscaping season is almost in the books but that doesn’t mean your work is over.

In fact, the key to a healthy year-round yard is in how you care for it during the fall and winter months. Ignoring your lawn when the temperatures change can mean even more work for you when the springtime rolls around again.

So get ahead of the game now to help yourself in the long run.

vent sun deprivation from impacting your yard. By neglecting the areas of your lawn with built-up grass on top, you’re ensuring you’ll end up with unattractive brown spots peppered throughout.

Keep the clippings in check by raking and removing your grass after every mow. This not only helps your lawn look great but prevents overworking your mower.

Mow & Rake Even when the cool air enters your neck of the woods, it’s still necessary to continue mowing your yard. If your grass is still growing, you should still be mowing.

Raking and lawn sweeping your yard after you mow is necessary to pre-

Create a Compost Pile The fall season is an excellent time to start your own compost pile and can help you put your yard waste to good use.

Start a pile of green leaves, clippings and non-meat kitchen scraps close to your garden. Add a second layer of

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brown material such as garden soil, leaves and coffee grounds before adding another layer of greens. Finally, add some garden soil to the top and turn it throughout the season. You’ll end up with a rich, black pile of fertilizer for next year’s garden.

Tend Your Garden You may think your gardening is done once you pull the last carrot or onion form the ground, but your garden needs regular maintenance just like the rest of your yard.

Remove any damaged annuals and clear out debris from flower beds. This freshens up the appearance of your garden and helps prevent mildew and mold from taking over.

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FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

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Apple Pie Recipe Is there anything better in the fall time than sitting down with a heaping hot slice of warm apple pie? Yeah, we didn’t think so.

Making an apple is as easy as, well, pie. Follow the recipe below from Pillsbury to pull off your own version.

Don’t forget to compliment your creation with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and cup of milk.

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Ingredients Crust: 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

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Filling: 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (6 medium) 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Directions Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate; press firmly against side and bottom.

In large bowl, gently mix filling ingredients and spoon into crust-lined pie plate.

Top with second crust.

Wrap excess top crust under bottom crust edge, pressing edges together to make a seal.

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Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown.

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PAGE 10

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

Trees & Shrubs Look around your yard. Do you see colorful trees and shrubs as the summer turns to fall? Are your eyes met with rich reds and fiery oranges?

If not, it’s time to add some fall-inspired trees and shrubs to your landscape. Doing so requires some basic knowledge of your location’s planting recommendations and the types of trees and shrubs that thrive there.

Spend a Saturday morning at your local nursery picking the brain of its expert owner. Ask questions about planting, maintenance and colors, and then make an informed decision about where some new trees and shrubs would fit best in your yard.

You’ll be gazing into the vibrant glow of beautiful fall leaves and plants before you know it.

Maple Trees Some trees are just made for the fall. Able to withstand colder temperatures and known for dazzling with bright leaf colors in the fall, maple trees can turn a hillside or backyard gorgeous shades of red, orange and yellow.

Some sugar maples can grow up to 75 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so know how much your

yard can handle before digging your hole. Vine maples and Japanese maples can give you a smaller, yet just as striking, fall tree option.

Pomegranate When it comes to smaller trees and shrubs, pomegranate offers a unique twist. Some varieties produce edible fruit in the fall, while others are strictly ornamental.

Know which kind you have before taking a bite. Some produce single colorful flowers that form fruit, but not the soft, juicy kind that you’re looking for. Either way, pomegranates can give your garden or yard a burst of color just in time for the fall season.

Blueberry Speaking of colorful, how about adding a little blue to your life? Blueberry bushes continue to transform during the fall with leaves that turn yellow, orange or red.

Both the northern and southern varieties are eye catching because of their brilliant fall colors. There also are evergreen types that feature some leaves that turn red and others that stay green all winter.

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C REATIVE W AYS Leaves cascading down from trees indicate the arrival of autumn. However, colorful and awe-inspiring autumn leaves can be a hazard if left to lie on the ground too long.

Fallen leaves form a dense insulator to protect trees’ roots and prevent competing plants from growing. Decomposing leaves also provide nutrients for the tree. But wet leaves can be a safety hazard and leaves left on the lawn through the winter can pose a threat to the grass. These are just a couple of reasons why so much effort is placed on leaf clean-up in the fall. The following are some creative ways to recycle leaves that fall from your trees in the weeks to come. · Mulch: Shredded leaves can make for a great amendment to fertilizer for garden beds and even the lawn. Leaves lying on the grass can be mulched into small pieces with a mulching mower so they don’t choke the blades of grass. Leaves also can be broken down with a string trimmer, a leaf blower that has a vacuum function or a commercial shredder/chipper.

Add the shredded leaves to a compost pile or use them to fill container plants before adding regular potting soil. · Insulation: Collect leaves to mound over delicate perennial plants and shrubs. The leaves will add more warmth to the soil and may help plants make it through harsh winters. Just remove the leaves slowly when spring arrives so that the soil underneath can get the sunlight and water it needs to thrive.

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Leave some leaves in the yard so that animals can use them as · Bedding: Chicken owners can use fallen leaves as bedding in their chicken coops. Dry leaves also may create more nesting material and line their dens for the winter. comfortable and drier conditions for goats and other livestock. · Stuffing: Create whimsical scarecrows as part of your autumn Goats may look to recently fallen leaves as a nutritious food decoration scheme. Gather older clothes that you no longer source. Gather the leaves and let the goats munch before you use and stuff the sleeves of shirts and the legs of pants with further rake and compost the leaves. leaves, which are less expensive and easier to come by than straw. Use a few pieces of straw around the neck and hand · Decorations: Natural leaves can be used as decorations areas of the scarecrow for visual effect. Tie off with twine and both inside and outside a home. String freshly fallen leaves display your scarecrow. together and wrap them around a grapevine wreath for a rustic door decoration. Leaves can be placed in clear vases and put on display for a cheap way to showcase some autumn color. Preserve favorite leaves with a lamination machine or by sealing them between heated sheets of waxed paper. Cut out the leaf shapes and use for hanging window decorations. · Recreation: Leaves have long been favorite toys for children, who eagerly await jumping into large piles of fallen leaves. Fill paper bags with leaves and draw a target on the front. Let kids test their skill aiming for the targets. Children can camouflage their clothing with leaves and masking tape and have a more intense session of “hide and seek.”

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PAGE 12

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

SEPTEMBER 2015

Throw a HARVEST PA R T Y

Are you looking for any excuse to throw a party? How about the change of the seasons?

Say goodbye to summer’s heat and hello to fall’s treats with a fun harvest party at your home.

Invite your guests to dig into meals prepared with produce from your garden and desserts inspired by the cool, beautiful season.

Impress them with your attention to detail and creative infusion of fall’s most prominent

influences. The quintessential party-goers something to talk harvest party takes some careful about. planning and the perfect balance Fill a wheelbarrow with an of fall foliage, friends and fun. assortment of pumpkins and gourds. If you have friends bringThink Pumpkins ing over children, give the kids Is there a symbol that better their own pumpkin to design or represents the fall season than color. Pumpkins mean fun durthe pumpkin? Utilize the bright- ing your fall harvest party. ness and shapes of pumpkins in your decorations, table center- A Grand Entrance pieces and even your dishes. Mix You want your guests to in some uniquely shaped gourds realize they’re at a harvest party on the tables or deck areas to give from the minute they pull up in

your driveway, so make your entrance grand.

Use autumn-shaded streamers to mark your mailbox or front gate. Hang cornucopiainspired collections from your front patio or build DIY scarecrows out of straw and old shirts.

Creatively arrange pumpkins, gourds, apples and leaves around your walkway and front steps to

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FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

PAGE 13

Items to include in your automotive emergency kit (METRO) Road trips can make for great weekend getaways or even more lengthy vacations for those who can’t get enough of the open road. But before embarking on any road trips, motorists should replenish their automotive emergency kits with the following items so they are fully prepared in the event of an accident or an injury.

TIPS WHEN LEASING A CAR FOR THE FIRST TIME (METRO) Leasing a vehicle makes more sense than buying for many drivers.

Lease terms typically last no more than 36 months, allowing drivers to drive a different, newer car every three years. In addition, lease payments tend to be less than monthly payments when financing a vehicle, which makes driving a new car more affordable for buyers without much room in their monthly budgets.

But leasing can confuse or intimidate some drivers, especially those who have never leased before. Once drivers decide that leasing is their best option, there are some strategies they can employ to make leasing work for them.

• ake a lower down payment. Low monthly payments make leases very attractive to many drivers, but the low payments highlighted in advertisements can overshadow the o en significant initial down payments required when signing a lease agreement. Those down payments, which can be several thousand dollars, make the low monthly payments possible. But drivers may want to make a lower down payment and accept higher monthly payments, as doing so offers

more of a safety net should the car be stolen or wrecked. When a car is stolen or wrecked, lessees likely won’t get a refund on their down payments. By accepting a higher monthly payment, drivers are protecting themselves against theft or vehicle damage.

• urchase gap insurance. ap insurance protects lessees should their vehicles be stolen or wrecked before the leases expire. Insurance company payouts may cover the value of the car if it is stolen or wrecked, but that figure may not equal what lessees still owe per the terms of the lease. In such instances, drivers have to come up with the difference on their own, unless they have gap insurance. ome lease contracts include gap insurance, while others do not. Confirm if your contract does before signing your lease, and purchase gap insurance coverage if it does not.

• rioritize maintenance. While allowing a car to fall into disrepair is never a good idea, it’s an especially poor decision if you are leasing a vehicle. Normal wear and tear may not incur any fees when you return the car once your lease

expires, but damage or excessive wear and tear could cost you once you hand the keys back. Many leasing companies will assess the vehicle for lessees in the months or weeks before the vehicle is slated to return, giving drivers time to fi any issues before the lease expires. Take advantage of this option and be sure to address each issue mentioned in the inspection report. ailing to do so could cost you a substantial amount of money.

• ont let your lease overstay its welcome. Especially lengthy leasing agreements could negate any savings drivers get through leasing. Lease terms that are 36 months or less are most beneficial to drivers, as new vehicles likely wont encounter any significant maintenance issues during that period, and any issues that do arise will likely be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Leasing a vehicle is a great option for many motorists, and there are several ways drivers can make leasing even more beneficial to their bottom lines.

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• luids While its best to check all of your vehicle’s fluids before beginning a road trip, it does not hurt to bring along some extra fluids just in case

• iscellaneous items ome items that may not seem synonymous with road trips can come in handy should you find yourself in an emergency.

Pack a blanket so you and your passengers can stay warm should your car break down at night. In addition, pack some energy bars and bottled water so no one gets too hungry or thirsty while waiting for help to arrive. It’s also good to keep a pair of work gloves in your car so you can still use your tools or change a tire when the temperatures dip or your hands get sweaty on hot days.

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• ools ts important to include tools in your automotive emergency kit. While a full toolbox might be unnecessary, bring along an adjustable wrench, a flat head and Phillips screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a tire jack and crow bar, an ice scraper, and a flashlight. Extra roadside flares and reflectors also should be packed should you need to pull over and address an automotive problem, such as a flat tire. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment or with your other tools so you can check tire pressure if you feel your car is not operating as smoothly as it normally does.

• Wiper blades nclude an e tra set of wiper blades in your automotive emergency kit. Maintaining wiper blades is an oft-overlooked component of vehicle maintenance, so bring along an extra set of blades should your existing blades succumb to wear and tear while you’re on the road.

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you start to run low while out on the road. luids to pack include motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Include a funnel with these items so you can easily pour them in should you be running low. Pack an empty spray bottle as well so you have something to spray washer fluid from if a problem arises with your wiper blades.

• irst-aid kit first-aid kit can treat cuts and abrasions suffered while you are out of the car and even some minor injuries that may result if you are in a car accident. Include essential items like adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, bandages, a cold compress, gauze, and scissors. Visit www.redcross.org for a more extensive list of items to include in your first-aid kit, which should be kept in your car at all times.

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FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

SEPTEMBER 2015

DO I REALLY NEED TO ROTATE MY TIRES? ou Y e

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By Ralph Lee & Chad Hjellming Rotating your car’s tires is like going to the dentist.

Nobody likes it, but it’s something that should be done. Depending on where and when it happens, getting a flat tire is similar to teeth issues. If a tire goes flat in your driveway, it’s like a small cavity that has to be filled. It’s annoying but not that big a deal. If a tire blows in rush-hour traffic, you’re talking full-blown root canal, and who wants that?

Here are some tips to prevent tire decay.

Most new model cars are front-wheel drive, and tire rotation becomes important because the front tires wear faster than the rear. The reason for this is simple: When you make n ate your tires any kind of full properly or al turn in traffic or follow the curve air loss is psi per of the road, more onth ach of the vehicle’s degree change in weight is placed a bient te perature on the edges of the tires. This causes psi change especially affects in tire pressure the front tires because these are ones that are actually turning while the rear tires stay in a straight line. This turning causes the edges of the tires to wear over time. If your tires wear unevenly, you’re suspectible to spotty braking and poor handling-real toothaches, er, headaches.

“Especially with an SUV or All-Wheel Drive vehicle, if you don’t rotate your tires they can get noisy,” said Justin Olson, General Manager of Apple Chevrolet and Buick of Northfield. “It is called cupping, where the tires wear uneven.”

Another important aspect to tire rotation is the eventual replacement of your tires. If you don’t rotate your tires, you’ll replace them two at a

time, and that means always having uneven wear on your wheels. If you replace your tires four at a time-and keep them rotated regularly-you’ll have even wear on all four.

“The lower the tread depth, the less force on the road to stop,” Olson said. “Hydroplaning can be an issue on wet roads, and the issue can be worse in the winter on show-covered roadways.”

How often should you rotate your tires? Well, that obviously varies based on the amount of miles you drive each day. Unfortunately, for some drivers, you may need to rotate your tires more often than you visit the dentist for a checkup. A rotation is often recommended at about 6,000 miles, especially with All-Wheel Drive vehicles, according to Olson. That’s often the time for an oil change, so do some multi-tasking and get both jobs done at once. Check your owner’s manual to see when it recommends tire rotations for your particular model.

“I am a proponent of maintenance,” Olson said. “The money you spend on the maintenance of your vehicle is money you will get back in longevity.”

How to have your tires rotated has been subject to debate similar to the discourse over the merits of fluoride. Again, check your owner’s manual to see if there’s a specific method recommended for your model of vehicle.

Olson said also to pay attention to the age of your tires, as their shelf life is typically 7 to 10 years depending upon the manufacturer. He recommends checking the DOT dates (which can be found on the tire) to make sure they are not past due, even if the number of miles on the vehicle is low. “This is extremely important especially if you are buying an older car,” he said.

Keeping your tires rotated on a regular basis can prevent an ill-timed flat tire and that can prevent grinding and gnashing your teeth-which is a whole different dental problem.

SEPTEMBER 2015

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

PAGE 15

How to handle car trouble while driving (METRO) Sudden car trouble is something no driver wants to experience, but many a driver has been driving down the highway only to feel his or her vehicle start to sputter. Such sputtering might indicate a car is running low on fuel, or it could be a sign of something more serious that requires motorists to think as quickly and safely as possible.

When car trouble strikes while a vehicle is on the road, the first thing many drivers do is check their fuel gauges. A car that runs out of gas is certainly inconvenient, but if you can pull over to the shoulder or make it to the nearest filling station, then this unfortunate situation can be remedied rather easily. But when a car’s tank is full and it is still showing signs of trouble, drivers must take steps to protect themselves, their passengers and their vehicles. The following are a few simple tips motorists should keep in mind so they can safely handle any car trouble that may arise while they are out on the road.

• Keep a first-aid kit, spare tire and tire jack in the car at all times. Flat tires are no fun, but they are even more of a nuisance when drivers are not prepared to address them. Always keep a jack and spare tire in your car, even if the spare is a donut you can temporarily use to replace a flat tire

until you make it to a filling station or automotive supply store.

As an added safety measure, keep a fully stocked first aid kit in your vehicle in case you cut yourself while changing the tire or need to address another medical situation. Visit www.redcross.org for a list of items to include in your automotive emergency kit. Keep a blanket in the trunk as well so your passengers can stay warm should you experience car trouble on a cold day or night.

• ake note of your surroundings. Some car troubles can only be fixed by the professionals, so pay careful attention to your surroundings in case an issue arises and forces you to pull over and call for help. Always pay attention to mile markers and any landmarks that might help you describe where you are.

Car troubles can strike at any time and anywhere, so be sure to pay special attention to your surroundings when driving in unfamiliar areas.

• ull over. ont panic if an issue arises suddenly. Remain calm and pull over onto the shoulder. The right shoulder is the area for pulling over on most roads, but you may also use the left shoulder on multilane highways with medians.

Try to get as far away from traffic as possible without driving off of level ground, and always

use your signals when pulling onto the shoulder. If the vehicle can’t make it to the median, put your emergency flashers on and get out of the car, moving away from both the vehicle and traffic.

Immediately call for emergency roadside assistance, alerting the authorities if need be.

• Use ares or triangles to alert other drivers. So long as you are not risking your well-being, you can place flares and/or warning triangles behind your vehicle so oncoming traffic knows to drive around it. The popular notfor-profit motor club AAA recommends placing the first flare or triangle 10 feet directly behind the side of the vehicle that is closest to the road. The second should be placed between 30 and 60 feet (increase the distances as the posted speed limit increases) behind the middle of the bumper, while the third flare or triangle should be placed between 120 and 360 feet behind the vehicle’s right side.

• tay with the vehicle.

Once you have called for help and set up flares or triangles, stay with the vehicle, though do so at a safe enough distance so you are not in harm’s way.

Sudden car troubles can be scary, but drivers who approach such issues calmly and quickly can reduce their risk for accident or injury.

PAGE 16

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

How to respond when encountering animals on the road

SEPTEMBER 2015

(METRO) In the summer of 2015, a video of dozens of cars swerving to avoid a family of ducks crossing a busy Minnesota freeway went viral.

While no people or ducks were injured in that incident, impromptu animal crossings are a potential hazard on roadways where drivers are unaccustomed to sharing the road with four-legged counterparts. In the wake of the video, state officials urged drivers not to stop for animals because of the hazards posed by sudden stopping.

Drivers may have mixed feelings on whether or not to put their lives in jeopardy to save an errant animal, but sometimes there is little time to make a decision. As more neighborhoods and roadways infringe on natural habitats, incidents of animals on the roadways figure to increase. Deer, moose, elk, and smaller animals can wander out onto busy roads, and there’s no foolproof way to prevent it.

According to State Farm Insurance, roughly 1.5 million animal-car accidents occur each year, resulting in 10,000 injuries, 150 deaths and $2,500 in property damage on average. Knowing what to

do when encountering animals on the road can help drivers avoid accidents and injuries.

• perts advise drivers to remain in their lanes and to attempt to slow down as quickly as possible when encountering animals on the road.

Move slowly in the direction the animal was coming from if it’s safe, as animal instinct is to dart out in the direction it was going.

• e aware of your surroundings at all times. can the edges of the road to see if animals are present.

Dawn and dusk are key times for animals to be on the move looking for food. Autumn is both hunting and mating season for deer, and they tend to travel a lot during this time of year.

• Obey speed limits and take signs warning of animal crossing hotspots seriously.

• hould you hit an animal, do not e it the car and approach it. Injured animals can be dangerous, with pain driving them to flail, kick or bite.

Sharing roadways with animals is tricky. Remaining alert, slowing down in highly populated wildlife areas and avoiding swerving can reduce risk of accident or injury.

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FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

PAGE 17

How drivers can reduce fuel emissions Explaining the terms listed on window stickers

(METRO) Buying a new car can be both exciting and confusing. The automotive industry, including manufacturers, dealerships and salespeople, have their own unique lingo, and buyers may not always understand some of the terms they hear as they shop for a new car.

Anyone who has ever visited a new car dealership has probably glanced at a new car sticker and felt like something has been lost in translation.

Such stickers hang prominently in the windows of all new cars on the lot, but reading them can be akin to reading a complicated legal document.

Drivers about to begin their searches for new vehicles may benefit from learning the following terms they might see when reading window stickers at their local auto dealerships.

• ehicle description is is typically at the top left or right of the sticker, and it includes information about the vehicle you are looking at. This includes the type of engine and transmission, the interior and exterior colors, the make and model of the vehicle, and its passenger capacity.

• estination charge rivers who have passed auto transport trucks hauling

new automobiles on the highway might not know it, but if they ever bought a new vehicle, chances are they helped to pay for the trip those cars made from the manufacturing plant to the dealership lot. That’s because window stickers typically list a destination charge, which is the fee buyers pay to get the vehicle from the plant to the dealership.

This might be listed as ‘Destination & Delivery’ on the sticker.

• uel economy any buyers understand this term when they see it, but they might not know that the figure listed next to fuel economy, which is an estimate of how many much miles per gallon a given vehicle gets in the city and on the highway, is determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

• R e R , or manufacturer suggested retail price, is the price of the vehicle before any additional charges, including destination charges, are added in.

• tandard e uipment On a window sticker, the basic items the vehicle is equipped with are listed as the standard equipment.

This can include a number of items, such as radio and heating and cooling systems. The standard equipment listed on the sticker is often broken down into

categories, including exterior, interior, safety/security and warranty information.

• Optional e uipment e special features available, such as leather interior and heated seats, will be listed separately in this category. These features may only be available as part of bundled packages, though some manufacturers allow buyers to add them a la carte.

• otal retail price e total retail price includes the MSRP and the standard and optional equipment, but it does not include taxes or registration and title fees.

• afety ratings afety ratings also are included on vehicle stickers, and these can shed light on how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rated a given vehicle if it has tested that car or truck. If you are unsure of what those terms mean or if the safety ratings are not listed (the NHTSA does not test every new model every year), visit the Insurance Institute for High Safety website at www.iihs.org.

Prospective car buyers may not give new vehicle window stickers more than a passing glance, but these stickers are invaluable sources of information that can shed a great deal of light on a given vehicle and its costs and features.

(METRO) According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, many cities across the country can claim automobiles as their single greatest contributor to pollution. While emissions from individual cars are somewhat low, emissions from millions of vehicles can add up to a substantial amount of pollution, and it takes residents working collectively to reduce those emissions and improve their local air quality.

Hydrocarbons are among the many exhaust pollutants that find their way into the air. When fuel molecules in a vehicle’s engine do not burn or burn only partially, the resulting hydrocarbon emissions can contribute to ground-level ozone, which can irritate the eyes, damage the lungs and aggravate existing respiratory problems. Carbon dioxide is another exhaust pollutant that can affect air quality and human health.

Reducing fuel emissions is an effective way for drivers to improve air quality and preserve their own health, and the following are a few simple steps motorists can take to do just that.

• Rearrange your work habits. echnology has changed how many businesses approach the traditional office environment, and men and women who are looking to reduce fuel emissions and cut costs may want to approach their bosses about rearranging their work habits. Telecommuting to work, even if you only do so for one or two days per week, can drastically reduce your fuel emissions over the course of a year. In lieu of meeting with clients or colleagues in person, which often requires travel, suggest teleconferenc-

es or video conferences so your fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are reduced.

• aintain your vehicle. nother way to cut back on fuel emissions is to adhere to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and have any issues addressed immediately. A poorly maintained vehicle will force the engine to work harder, and that in turn will burn more fuel. Many auto manufacturers now build vehicles that require less frequent maintenance. or e ample, whereas oil changes were once required every 3,000 miles, many newer vehicles can now last twice that long before they need oil changes. That makes maintaining a vehicle easier than ever before.

• aintain a safe and steady speed. Rapid acceleration and frequent stops and starts make for very inefficient use of fuel, increasing both consumption and emissions. While city drivers may not be able to avoid frequent stops and starts, they can avoid rapid acceleration between those stops and starts. Drivers who do the bulk of their driving on highways should maintain safe speeds, as driving too fast is another way to waste fuel and increase emissions.

• mbrace public transportation. any drivers never consider public transportation, but mass transit is a great way to save money, reduce fuel consumption and emissions and protect your automotive investment. Over a typical year, the cost of mass transportation will likely pale in comparison to the amount of money you spend on fuel, and your car will last a lot longer if you opt for public transportation and avoid rush hour traffic each day.

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n i l l a s ’ t I l i a t e d the FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

SEPTEMBER 2015

Sponsored by Dokmo Ford Chrysler Jeep and Dodge 1201 Hwy. 3 South Northfield 507-645-4778

By Tresa Erickson & Chad Hjellming Whether you’re selling or maintaining your car, a good detail job can go a long way in keeping it looking its best.

“We detail a lot of cars,” said Scott Anger of Dokmo Ford in Northfield. “After someone has their car detailed once, they typically do it every year. And then they turn it into a gift for someone else. It is a great present.”

You can undertake the thorough cleaning yourself or you can take advantage of the services offered at thousands of auto detailers nationwide. Whatever route you take, you can expect the results to be evident.

“If people do it themselves, they typically just wash their car and wax it,” Anger said. “But do they do the interior … the door panels … the engine? Not usually.”

Having your vehicle detailed can also add value when you are looking to sell.

“When people buy a car, they want to look inside, the

trunk and under the hood,” Anger said. “A good detail job can sometimes raise the value of a car by several hundred dollars. It is well worth the investment.”

Exterior A car’s exterior can take a real beating over the years. Most exterior detail jobs involve the cleaning, polishing and protecting of many facets of a car’s exterior, including the paint, chrome trim, windows, wheels and tires. There are several techniques and products available to do this from acids and degreasers to waxes and polishes.

Interior Like the exterior, a car’s interior can take a real beating over time, especially in households with kids or areas with harsh weather.

Interior detail jobs include an extensive cleaning of the dash, panels, windows, upholstery and carpet. Depending upon the service you select, the seats may be removed from the car to ensure a good cleaning. Again, a variety of techniques and products may be used, including steam cleaning.

Engine No auto detail would be complete

without the pop of the hood and an engine cleaning. Steam and degreasers can do wonders to improve the look of an engine.

And when a prospective buyer looks under the hood and sees a clean engine, Anger said, the value increases because they know the vehicle has been taken care of properly.

While body panels may be sanded to eliminate scratches, most detail work does not include major bodywork or repair.

Depending upon where you go, various detail services may be available and prices may vary according to the size of vehicle you have. Detailers may offer everything from a complete detail package to an exterior wash and wax.

No matter how much or how little you have done, your car will look better and you will feel better driving or selling it.

“It is a great feeling when you have it done,” Anger said. “It is a pretty easy process. The experience is well worth it. It puts a smile on a car owner’s face.”

SEPTEMBER 2015

FALL HOME, GARDEN & CAR CARE

PAGE 19

Heed The

WARNING

By Ronda Addy

When you start your vehicle, the instrument panel lights up with all those little symbols.

As soon as the computer verifies everything is working properly, the lights go off. On occasion, however, a light remains on and it is best that you find your vehicle’s handbook and look up a detailed explanation of what the light means and if the vehicle is safe to drive. Although some warning lights are specific to a manufacturer or model, there are some that are universal. Let’s take a look at some of the more common warning lights and what you should do in the instance

they occur.

The air bag warning light indicates there is a problem with a crash sensor, an air bag module, the air bag wiring or the air bag control module. The vehicle is safe to drive, but the air bag won’t deploy if you are in an accident. You should have the problem checked out and repaired as soon as possible.

The brake warning light indicates that the parking brake is on, the brake fluid is low or there is a serious hydraulic problem.

You should check the parking brake first and then the brake fluid level. If it’s low, fill it. If the light remains on, you may have a sensor fault. You should have this

checked out as soon as possible.

If you press the brake pedal and the light comes on, one of the hydraulic circuits in the brake system has lost pressure and the vehicle may not be able to stop.

Whatever you do, don’t attempt to drive it. Have it towed somewhere to be repaired.

The warning light for the antilock brake system (ABS) indicates temporary loss of the system. Your brakes will still work, but the antilock braking you need when coming to a sudden stop or sliding on a wet surface won’t be available. You should have your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. If the ABS and the brake warning lights both

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come on, your brake system has a serious hydraulic problem, in which case your vehicle is not safe to drive. If you are out driving when this occurs, pull over as soon as possible, being careful you don’t step on the brakes too harshly, and have a tow truck come get the vehicle.

The check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp indicates there is a potential emissions fault. There are a number of reasons why this light might come on, such as dirty fuel injectors, a loose gas cap, fouled spark plugs, the failure of an engine sensor or an emissions control system problem. To find the exact nature of the problem, a mechanic must attach your vehicle’s diagnostic connector to a scan tool. You may continue to drive your vehicle unless another light comes on. In that case, you should have your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. If the light comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, switch the engine off for two minutes and then restart it; this may reset the engine management system.

The charging system warning light or the battery charge warning light indicates your vehicle is running on the battery.

The charging system isn’t producing enough current for the vehicle’s electrical needs. Your vehicle will run as long as the battery has a charge, which may not be very long in the daylight and even less at night. To get more life out your battery, turn

off all unnecessary electrical devices (radio, heater and defroster). The problem could be the result of a number of things, such as corroded or loose battery cables, an alternator malfunction or a damaged drive belt. If you don’t see a problem with the battery cables or the belt, start the vehicle and turn on the lights. If they are dim, you have a problem with the alternator or some other electrical part. You should have the vehicle checked out immediately.

The oil pressure warning light indicates the engine is low on oil or there is no oil pressure. Don’t drive your vehicle. If you do, you will run the risk of severely damaging the engine.

Start by checking the oil level. If it is low, add some and then turn on the engine to see if the light goes out. If it does not, you could have a bad oil pump or a faulty oil pressure-sending unit that will need to be replaced.

The temperature warning light is not a light to be ignored.

If it comes on while you are driving, stop immediately and turn the engine off. If you don’t, you could cause extensive damage to the engine. Once the engine cools off, unscrew the radiator cap and check the coolant level.

Never remove the cap when the engine is hot or you could risk getting burned by coolant or water spraying out. Add coolant and do a quick check for leaks around the radiator and hoses. Start the vehicle and proceed with care.

If the light comes on again, you have an internal problem. There are a number of things that can cause the engine to overheat besides low coolant, such as a failed water pump, something blocking the radiator airflow, a broken cooling fan, an overworked engine in really hot weather, the towing of a heavy trailer or the buildup of sludge inside the cooling system.

Depending on the make, model and year of your vehicle, there are other warning lights to look out for. These include: • Lamp out indicator light, which lets you know you have a headlight, taillight, stoplight or turn signal light out.

• eat belt warning light or chime, which lets you know someone hasn’t buckled their seatbelt.

• Low windshield washer fluid warning light, which lets you know the windshield washer reservoir is low.

• oor a ar warning light, which lets you know one of the doors or tailgate isn’t shut all of the way.

• ervice reminder light, which lets you know your vehicle is due for an oil change.

• missions warning light, which lets you know there is a problem with the emissions sensor or your vehicle has reached a certain mileage.

When a warning light comes on, your vehicle is trying to tell you something. Listen to it and take care of the problem.

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