Drive into Spring & Spring Home

Make the Most of Movie Night Variables to consider when choosing a media room

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Buying In

What to look for when test driving preowned vehicles

March 2021 A Special Supplement to

Selling Safely Tips to safely sell a car on your own

Benzie County Record Patriot

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March 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot

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How to protect your car from sun damage

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Exploring different backyard structures

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What are certified preowned vehicles?

Did you know? - Most popular renovation project The top distractions behind the wheel Did you know? - Teen car accidents

Variables to consider when choosing a media room Did you know? - Movie projectors

What to look for when test driving preowned vehicles Did you know? - Zero Gravity Seats

What to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident Did you know? - Auto insurance

DIY strategies to deep-clean carpeting

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How to protect your car from sun damage

recorded at temperatures in excess of 195 F. The automotive repair service Fix Auto says the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause the vehicle’s paint to peel and fade over time. UV rays break down the molecules in the paint and make it appear dull. The company says red paint is particularly susceptible because red paint molecules deteriorate faster in the sun than other paint colors.

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eople know to protect their skin and eyes from the sun. Sun exposure can be dangerous for the body, but the sun’s rays also can damage automobiles.

Leaving a vehicle exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time increases the risk of damage to its interior and exterior. It’s important that car and truck owners recognize this so they can mitigate the potential problems sun and heat may cause. Testing conducted at the State Farm® Vehicle Research Facility found interior vehicle air temperatures have been recorded well in excess of 145 F. Interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight have been

To prevent potential sun-related damage, take these precautions.

• Avoid direct sunlight. Park in the shade as much as possible.

• Crack a window. If it is safe to do so, lower interior air temperature and equalize air pressure by opening up car windows a little.

• Use a windshield protector. Reflect sunlight away and keep the vehicle cool with a windshield sun protector that unfolds and slides into place.

• Use a protectant wax. A layer of wax can offer another layer of protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

• Wash the car frequently. Washing and hand-drying the vehicle helps to remove dirt and other debris which can cause micro-scratches in the paint.

• Install seat covers. Seat covers can protect leather and fabric upholstery.

A leather conditioner can help prevent cracks and tears from sunlight and heat.

These easy steps are simple preventative measures that protect vehicles against sun damage.

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What are certified preowned vehicles?

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he days when buying a used car was akin to a game of chance are largely a relic of the past. Though it’s still possible that used car buyers could end up with a lemon, the preowned vehicle market has changed dramatically and for the better over the last couple of decades.

One of the more notable changes surrounding used vehicles over the last 20 years is the rise of certified preowned cars and trucks, or CPOs. The COVID-19 pandemic affected sales of CPOs in 2020, but the vehicle transaction experts at Cox AutomotiveTM report that more than a quarter million CPOs were sold in May of 2019.

First-time car buyers or those accustomed to purchasing new vehicles can learn more about CPOs before buying their next cars or trucks. Such knowledge may help them make the most informed decision possible before they sign on the dotted line and drive their next vehicle off the lot.

What sets CPOs apart from other used cars?

The auto industry data aggregator Black Book notes that CPOs tend to have low mileage and clean accident histories. It’s possible, though unlikely, that vehicles that don’t meet such criteria could be designated as CPOs. Another significant difference between CPOs and more traditional used cars is that the former

tend to be sold with extended manufacturers’ warranties. Certified preowned vehicle buyers also may be offered perks similar to those offered to new car buyers, such as free roadside assistance or complementary satellite radio service, for a predetermined period of time.

While it may seem like a no brainer for used car buyers to purchase CPOs, the consumer advocacy experts at Consumer Reports suggest that the decision is more complicated. Analysts at CR have suggested that the biggest advantage to CPOs is their extended warranties, which can be expensive. Having a vehicle inspected by a private mechanic consumers trust prior to purchase may be a better way for budgetconscious car buyers to allocate their funds than purchasing a CPO simply because of its extended warranty. If the mechanic gives the vehicle a clean bill of health, consumers can then rest easy knowing they exercised their due diligence and did so without having to pay for a potentially costly extended warranty. Ultimately, the decision is up to buyers, who can conduct a cost analysis to determine just how much they might save (or not save) when purchasing a CPO or a noncertified used vehicle.

Certified preowned vehicles are an option car buyers can consider prior to purchasing their next car or truck.

Benzie County Record Patriot • March 24, 2021

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Did you know?

Exploring different backyard structures

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esigning an ideal backyard space requires forethought and an eye for style. Knowing which features to include in a yard often boils down to what homeowners want to achieve in the space. Will it be a relaxing oasis or a central entertaining focal point?

People often look to various structures to add height and visual interest to outdoor spaces.

Homeowners will likely come across structures like arbors, gazebos, pergolas, and even trellises as they wade through the variety of features they can incorporate into backyard plans. Each of these structures can add appeal, but they also can offer shelter from the sun and privacy when enjoying the yard. There are significant differences between each structure, so here’s an in-depth look at what sets them apart.

• Arbor: An arbor is one of the more simple garden structures. It is usually a frame that is arched or square-cornered. Most homeowners use it as an entryway to a garden or even the front of the home. Those with green thumbs may cover the arbor with climbing and trailing plants. The Spruce says arbors date back to early Egyptian and Roman gardens and were used throughout Europe by the late 16th century.

• Pergola: The words arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, but to suggest the two structures are the same would not be accurate. Pergola comes

from the Italian word “pergula,” which means “projection.” Pergolas were once projected from exterior walls and supported on one side by pillars or columns. Today, arbors are usually freestanding units with two or four posts. Pergolas may be connected on one side to a home or another structure. Some are freestanding units supported by four posts. Pergolas tend to be larger and offer more privacy and shade than arbors.

• Gazebo: Gazebos are more defined garden buildings, states the contractor referral site Network.

Gazebos are freestanding units that can be built in various shapes.

Some are octagonal, others are square. Like a pergola, a gazebo is supported by columns and may have low railings or built-in benches.

Gazebos also may have a more solid roof than arbors or pergolas, providing sun and other weather protection. The roof may have added architectural appeal, like a cupola.

• Trellis: A trellis is a simple, geometrically-shaped structure that provides a surface for climbing plants. A trellis also may support fruit-bearing trees. Trellis work may be used in conjunction with an arbor or pergola, or be installed on fencing.

Incorporating structures into backyard designs can provide functionality and appeal.

Though new flooring and ceiling tiles might not offer the wow factor of a remodeled kitchen, a 2019 study from researchers at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University found that replacing floors and ceilings was the most popular home improvement project in the United States in 2017, the most recent year for which data was available at the time of the study.

More than five million homeowners replaced carpeting, flooring, paneling, or ceiling tiles in their homes in 2017. The popularity of such projects may have something to do with the relatively low cost associated with them, as the experts at BobVila.com note that overhauling surfaces underfoot and overhead costs an average of $3,283. That places floor and ceiling tile replacement projects among the least expensive home improvement projects homeowners can undertake, even though such renovations can immediately and dramatically transform the look of a room.

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Pets & Children

Mobile phone use

The top distractions behind the wheel

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Did you know?

According to the World Health Organization, males are more likely to be involved in road traffic crashes than females.

id you know that a vehicle driven at 55 miles per hour or faster can traverse the length of an entire football field in a matter of seconds?

Driving requires not only knowledge of the rules of the road and skill behind the wheel, but also concentration on the task at hand. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates distracted driving has been a significant factor in fatal car crashes. NHTSA says as many as one in 10 deaths are now attributed to driver distraction.

Distractions can come in many forms but fall into one of three categories: manual, visual and cognitive. Any distraction has the potential for serious consequences, including deadly accidents. Here’s a look at some of the common distractions and how to avoid them.

• Mobile phone use: Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving.

Texting combines cognitive, manual and visual distractions. Turn off phones while behind the wheel to help reduce the temptation to grab the phone.

• Daydreaming: Being lost in one’s thoughts can be a big distraction. Driving with something heavy on one’s mind can cause a person to lose track of the road.

This may occur when experiencing intense emotions, particularly anger or stress. There’s also a condition called “highway hypnosis” that causes drivers to “zone out” while driving. It often occurs while driving on open highways for extended periods of time. Taking breaks and pulling over if you notice your mind wandering can help.

Eating or drinking • Pets and children: Young children or unsecured pets can be very distracting in the car. As a child calls out, begins to cry or wants his or her needs met, drivers may turn to address those needs and take their eyes off the road. Pets that are moving around the vehicle also may distract a driver. All pets and children should be secure in the vehicle at all times.

• Adjusting the GPS: Recalibrating the GPS or entering an address while driving can be a distraction.

It’s best not to touch the GPS unless the car is in park and at a complete stop.

• Eating or drinking: Taking hands off the wheel to enjoy that drive-thru meal can be a mistake. Looking down at food and removing hands from the wheel reduces one’s ability to steer and react immediately to sudden traffic hazards.

If drivers become knowledgeable of the significant hazards of distracted driving, they can make changes to improve overall safety. Completing certain tasks before leaving home or while the vehicle is parked can reduce the need to multitask while driving.

The WHO notes that 73 percent of all road traffic deaths occur among young males under the age of 25.

In addition, male drivers under the age of 25 are nearly three times as likely to be killed in road traffic crashes as female drivers under 25. The WHO acknowledges that various factors can increase drivers’ risk of being involved in road traffic crashes, and distracted driving may be one of the biggest threats facing today’s young drivers. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute notes that, in 2017, 40 percent of high school students reported texting or emailing while driving in the 30 days prior to being surveyed. Parents also may unknowingly contribute to teens’ distracted driving, as the CHPRI notes that teen drivers receive more calls from their parents while driving than any other group of motorists.

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March 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot

Variables to consider when choosing a media room

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he term “home theater” once made homeowners who love movies and sports dream of the day when they could dedicate a large area in their home to watching the big game or their favorite films.

Such rooms are now widely referred to as “media rooms.” Though the terminology may have changed, media rooms are not all that different from home theaters.

Before choosing an area of their home as their designated media room, homeowners must consider a host of variables to ensure they get as much out of the room as possible.

• Location and shape: Of course the location of the room is of the utmost importance. Media rooms tend to be more social settings than traditional home theaters, which were often designed to be isolated from the rest of the home so noise and natural light did not adversely affect the film-watching experience.

Homeowners may not want their media rooms to be in high traffic areas of their homes, but they needn’t be completely secluded, either. The renovation experts at the DIY Network note that the shape of a room should be considered before designating it as the media room.

In general, square rooms are not ideal, as such rooms can produce harmonic distortions. A rectangular room likely won’t produce such

distortions, especially when homeowners place their screens and primary speakers on short walls.

It’s important that homeowners do not downplay the importance of sound, as media rooms, unlike traditional home theaters, may be used for listening to music just as much as they are for watching films or sports. Viewers may not recognize distortions when watching something, but homeowners may notice these abnormalities when listening to music.

• Windows: Media rooms are multipurpose rooms, so homeowners don’t need to remove rooms with windows from consideration. But the experts at the DIY Network note that windows are hard surfaces that can reflect sound and distort audio, and the light that gets in through windows can produce reflections on the viewing surface. Each of those factors can adversely affect your listening and viewing experience. A room with windows can still make for a good media room, but you may want to invest in some blackout curtains to mitigate some of the disadvantages of having windows in the room.

• Wall colors: The colors of the walls in the room is another variable homeowners will have to consider.

Homeowners won’t want to host guests for the big game in rooms with darkened walls, as that can

create a dreary atmosphere and potentially make people tired. But especially bright colors will reflect light and adversely affect the viewing experience. Neutral colors should not affect the colors on the screen, making them the ideal color

choice for media room walls.

Media rooms are high on many homeowners’ renovation lists.

Considering a host of variables prior to designating an area for a media room can ensure the finished product is as enjoyable as possible.

The tech experts at Digital Trends® note that modern projectors are a great way to enjoy a true cinematic experience at home, even if your “theater” is under the stars in the backyard. Some projectors are designed to remain outdoors so long as homeowners take the steps necessary to protect the devices from the weather. In fact, projectors are small and so easily moved that homeowners can take them inside at the end of each movie to ensure they’re not damaged by the elements. In such instances, only the screen and the audio components, like speakers, will require protection from the elements. But even interior projectors can be taken outdoors when homeowners decide to watch a movie outdoors.

Projectors can even be used to watch television outdoors, making them options worth considering for sports fans who may be restricted from seeing their favorite teams in person this season. Watching television on a projector without a cable box may require a little extra effort and a few more accessories than streaming a movie outdoors, and homeowners would be wise to consult a home entertainment professional to ensure their setup is good to go before inviting anyone over to watch the big game under the stars.

Did you know?

Social distancing recommendations issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic compelled people to spend more time at home than ever before.

As the pandemic wore on, people looked for ways to enjoy activities in their backyards so they would not become overwhelmed by cabin fever. Home theater projectors afford homeowners the chance to bring the magic of family movie nights outdoors.

What to look for when test driving preowned vehicles

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reowned vehicles have become hot commodities in recent years, reflecting a change in what drivers are looking for when it’s time to get a new ride.

According to the market and consumer data experts at Statista, preowned vehicle sales increased every year between 2014 and 2019 and more than doubled the number of new cars sold each year during that period. For example, in 2019 United States car buyers purchased 40.8 million preowned vehicles and right around 17 million new vehicles.

There are many reasons why more car buyers are increasingly looking to the preowned vehicle market when replacing their existing vehicles. Certified preowned vehicles have increased consumer confidence in used cars and trucks and extended warranties have helped ease concerns buyers may have about such vehicles.

As reliable as preowned vehicles can be, prospective buyers must remain diligent when considering a used car and truck. Potential mechanical issues can be discussed with a mechanic of buyers’ choosing, but it’s up to drivers to gauge other factors that can affect how enjoyable it may or may not be to drive a given vehicle. Test drives remain a great way to get a feel for preowned vehicles and prospective

buyers can consider various factors to determine if a given car or truck is for them.

• Comfort: Comfort is a big consideration when purchasing new vehicles, and there’s no reason to downplay the importance of comfort when shopping for preowned vehicles. Consider the available headroom and legroom when test driving a vehicle, but also take note of comfort-based accessories that the vehicle may or may not have. For example, if you’ve grown accustomed to heated seats on your existing vehicle, then a preowned vehicle without such seats, or one without functioning heated seats, will likely bother you in the years to come.

• Visibility: Sight lines vary from vehicle to vehicle, so make sure your test drive is long enough to give you an accurate idea of a vehicle’s visibility. Blind spots may not differ much in new versus older models or even in vehicles made by the same manufacturer, but they can differ considerably between manufacturers (i.e., Toyota versus Nissan). Get a feel for blind spots during the test drive to determine if the you’ll be comfortable driving a given vehicle.

• Connectivity: Modern vehicles are designed to connect with our devices, and drivers have quickly

Did you know?

At least one automotive manufacturer has taken a cue from NASA and offers drivers what they believe to be the ultimate in passenger comfort — zero gravity seats. These seats, available on various Nissan vehicles, are designed to maximize comfort while reducing fatigue. In space there is no gravity force, so people can assume a relaxed posture that is comfortable and minimizes stress on the body. The zero gravity seats mimic that by trying to create a neutral posture position. These specially designed seats offer continuous support for the hips, pelvis, chest, and back. The cushions also flex in response to unique pressure points on the body. People who frequently take long car rides or find their body feels tired after sitting in the car for long stretches of time may benefit from zero gravity car seat technology. These seats became a new feature in 2015 on various Nissan models. Other vehicle manufacturers also may have seats that offer similar support systems.

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Benzie County Record Patriot • March 24, 2021

grown to prioritize connectivity.

Compatibility with devices can make it easier to use GPS and stream music while driving, so don’t hesitate to connect your phone when test driving a vehicle. If the car and phone are incompatible, that can affect how much you enjoy driving

the car.

Preowned vehicles are incredibly popular. Buyers considering used cars or trucks can look for certain things during a test drive to determine if a given vehicle is the right fit for them.

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March 24, 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot

What to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident

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ar accidents happen every day. Though the World Health Organization reports that approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes, many more people walk away from such accidents relatively unscathed. In such instances, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of an accident can help drivers and passengers stay safe and start on their road to physical and financial recovery.

No two car accidents are the same, but the Insurance Information Institute recommends anyone involved in a car accident take the following steps to make the most informed decisions in what is often a difficult situation.

• Assess your physical condition. The III recommends people involved in accidents check themselves for injuries in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Call 911 if you are hurt. If you’re seriously

injured, try to remain still and only move with the assistance of emergency response personnel.

• Assess passengers’ physical condition. Drivers who are not too hurt to move can check on their passengers after assessing their own condition. Before moving a passenger who is injured, speak with an emergency response professional. This person can assess the situation and determine if it’s safe to move an injured passenger or if it’s best to wait for first responders to arrive on the scene.

• Get to a safe place. If possible, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. If it’s safe to move a vehicle and the vehicle is in a hazardous position, such as in the middle of the road, pull it to the side of the road.

If the vehicle won’t start of you suspect it could be dangerous to move it, leave the car where it is and get yourself and any passengers who can move to the side of

the road or a sidewalk.

• Call 911. If you have not already done so, call 911 once you have gotten to a safe place. The III notes that no accident is too minor to involve the police, and some local laws even mandate that all traffic accidents be immediately reported. Be sure to fill out an accident report, which can be vital for drivers who intend to file claims with their insurance providers.

• Turn the vehicle off. If the vehicle is still running, turn it off. Turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights and, if you can physically do so and it’s safe to do so, place road flares around the car to warn fellow motorists.

• Exchange information.

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver once everyone has determined that they are not injured.

The III recommends exchanging full names and contact information. Specific information like insurance companies and policy

1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes numbers, driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers, the exact location of the accident, and the type, color and model of the other driver’s vehicle also should be exchanged and noted.

• Avoid discussing fault with the other driver. Drivers will not determine who’s at fault.

Such decisions are made by insurance adjusters.

Discussing fault with the other driver in the immediate aftermath of an accident can lead to difficult, potentially heated exchanges.

• Document the accident.

The III recommends motorists involved in accidents identify the

responding police officers and ask them how to obtain copies of the official accident report. Take pictures and speak with any witnesses, jotting down their names and contact information if possible.

• Notify your insurance provider. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. You can even do so from the scene of the accident if you’re capable of doing so. This can jumpstart the claims process.

Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can calm drivers’ nerves and get them on the road to recovery that much sooner.

Did you know?

When shopping for auto insurance, drivers may be most concerned by the bottom lines on estimates they receive from potential providers. However, the Insurance Information Institute recommends that drivers also investigate a company’s reputation and stability before purchasing an auto insurance policy.

Rating companies like AM Best (www.ambest.com) and Standard & Poor’s (www.standardandpoors.com/ ratings) vet insurance companies in terms of their financial stability. In addition, government organizations may be able to provide potential policyholders with information regarding the history of consumer complaints filed against certain insurance providers.

That history, coupled with information regarding a given firm’s financial stability, can give drivers an accurate picture of insurance providers and whether they’re trustworthy or simply the most affordable option on the market.

Benzie County Record Patriot • March 24, 2021

DIY strategies to deep-clean carpeting

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hat’s underfoot in a home can go a long way toward making residences comfortable and aesthetically appealing.

A study of home buyer preferences using data from the National Association of Realtors® found that 54 percent of home buyers were willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring. But that doesn’t mean that carpeting doesn’t still have its devotees.

In 2019, the real estate firm Opendoor installed nearly one million yards of carpeting in its homes.

Houzz reports that, in 2018, 17 percent of renovating homeowners purchased carpets and 50 percent purchased indoor rugs.

Carpeting and rugs

can offset some of the shortcomings of hardwood, providing a softer texture that makes for a better landing spot for active young children. However, carpets will require more maintenance than hardwood floors. Learning how to deep clean carpets can help homeowners, as vacuuming is not enough to keep carpets in top form.

Spot clean stains Stores sell a bevy of carpet cleaning solutions. When applying such solutions, do so in an inconspicuous area of the room to ensure colorfastness of the carpet and that the solution does not adversely affect the fibers. If the spot is clean and the carpet is not adversely affected, you can

then apply the solution to more visible areas.

Homeowners who prefer all-natural cleaning solutions rather than chemicals can use a solution of white vinegar, baking soda and salt to make a safe cleanser, according to The Spruce.

Soak the stain, use a scrub brush to work in the cleanser and then blot up the liquid with a clean cloth.

According to the lifestyle resource First for Women, club soda also works as a cleanser when it is sprayed on a stain.

Deep cleaning Carpets periodically need to be revitalized, and that can be accomplished with a specialized cleaning machine. Many are available for purchase (a good

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investment for homeowners with kids and/or pets), while others can be rented as needed.

Remove all of the furniture from a room and vacuum to clean dust, dander and any other debris. Address any darker stains first by pretreating with a cleaning solution. Let sit for around 20 minutes. While waiting, learn how to operate the machine, fill it and clean out the soiled water.

Never allow the machine to oversaturate the carpet with water, as it can get into the padding and subfloor, causing problems like mold or wood damage.

Spray the water-detergent solutions, and then pass the carpet cleaner over spots repeatedly until the carpet

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feels only slightly damp.

DoItYourself.com advises running the machine at the pace of one foot per second.

Removing shoes when entering the home can keep carpets clean and reduce wear and tear.

With frequent deep cleaning, carpets can maintain a likenew appearance for years.

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