Car Care

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> C O N T E N T S

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Quick maintenance tips for vehicles

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Keep summer road trips safe

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The evolution of GPS

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How to reduce maintenance costs

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Cut the cost of owning a vehicle

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Experience a motorcycle tour

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Local businesses give back

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Unique ways to conserve fuel

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Four reasons to skip topping off

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Keep tires roadworthy

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Sharing the road: Traveling tips

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> R o a d t r i p r e a dy

Quick maintenance tips for vehicles ince March entered like a lion, we will see snowy peaks in the distance until late-May. But its Daylight Saving Time, and spring is here. It is time to get your vehicle road trip ready.

Bath time Wash your vehicle. No, seriously. Wash your filthy car. It’s one thing when you live on a dirt road in dust valley during a summer drought, but all that salt and sand can damage more than the vehicle’s paint. Take a trip to the car wash and clean the undercarriage of the vehicle. While there, vacuum the floorboards and seats, dust the dashboard and remove those wrappers and receipts that accumulate over time.

Tire check Inspect, rotate and align your tires. When the temperature fluctuates, so does the air pressure in our tires. The pressure can change 1 pound per square inch per 10 degrees Fahrenheit. By having the tires inspected, rotated and properly aligned, drivers can improve steering and fuel economy.

Windshield wipers Remember the consistent screeching sound from your wiper blades? Not until you turn them during monsoon season. Wiper blades can last anywhere from six months to one year. Frequently wash and wipe blades to remove build up, and when you replace the blades go the extra mile and add a glass sealant that helps repel water. Replenish the wiper fluid reserve.

Fill fluids In addition to wiper fluid, check the brake, power

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steering and transmission fluid. Check the coolant, which should be replaced every one to three years.

And check the oil, too. Recommendations for oil changes depend on the age of the vehicle and its mileage. Mechanics also recommend vehicle owners flush the radiator every 24,000 miles and refill.

Battery check The battery of your vehicle operates the starter motor and accessories like radio, navigation, power windows, seats, locks and lighting. Inspect the battery every three months or 3,000 miles. Look for bulges, leaks, cracks or corrosion, and be sure it is still secured. Check the spark plugs because they fire as many as three million times every 1,000 miles. Routine inspections of the battery can prevent premature failure, which can leave you stranded somewhere unexpected.

Belts, hoses & filters These parts of the vehicle experience mechanical wear, so it is imperative that owners inspect them monthly. Belts can snap and leave you stranded.

Like belts, hoses are under constant pressure, and therefore should be changed before a problem arises. A clogged air filter can result in strain on the fuel pump, misfires and low power. Air filters are relatively cheap to replace and a clean filter can improve mileage by about 10 percent.

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> t r av e l t i p s

Keep summer road trips safe hen the outdoors beckons, road trips can be the perfect way to see the countryside, escape the routine of daily life and enjoy a vacation without boarding a plane.

Road trips are all about fun, but drivers must emphasize safety before and during such excursions.

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When taking to the open road, it is important to focus on safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that planning and prevention can spare road-trippers from the consequences of breakdowns, traffic accidents or other road emergencies. + Stock emergency preparedness items. Prior to a trip, drivers should make sure their vehicles are equipped with necessary safety items. Liberty Mutual Insurance New Beginnings Report warns that nearly half of Americans do not check that proper emergency items are stored in their vehicles prior to getting on the road. Before embarking on a road trip, make sure vehicles have a first aid kit, flashlight, water bottles, phone chargers, tire-repair tools, flares, jumper cables, towels, and even an old backpack for storage. + Schedule a service call. Regular maintenance can keep vehicles from breaking down. Drivers should take their cars in for tuneups before long road trips. Such tuneups should include an oil change, battery check, tire rotation, and any other necessary servicing. + Plan your route. Map out the route before heading out. Be aware of potential road closures, obstacles or construction. Thanks to real-time GPS updates through mobile phones and other devices, some drivers like to rely on tech to get them through. But it’s important to realize service may be spotty in rural areas. Mapping a trip out in advance can save drivers from getting lost during mobile service interruptions.

+ Join a roadside repair service. Breakdowns happen even if trips are carefully planned. Automotive clubs can help drivers when breakdowns occur. Some car manufacturers also include roadside assistance in warranty packages, so inquire about your coverage. + Refresh defensive driving skills. A safe-driving course can remind drivers of the rules of the road.

In some cases, courses also may qualify drivers for discounts on their auto insurance policies. One such class is the AARP Driver Safety course. + Avoid distractions. Keep children and other passengers occupied so they are not a distraction to the driver. Set out with favorite music, books, video games, or even a pad and paper for doodling.

Pack snacks to keep everyone feeling full in between roadside pit stops. Drivers also can load their cars up with tissues, water and music to limit distractions. + Plan fun breaks along the way. Breaks give drivers a reason to rest and passengers an opportunity to get out and stretch their legs. The Roadside America smartphone app lists must-see stops along any route, and drivers can plan their own stops as well. + Stay over if necessary. According to the NHTSA, driving while drowsy is a contributing factor in 100,000 accidents every year. Drive only when wellrested. Share driving duties or plan a night at a motel so everyone is well-rested.

The evolution of global positioning systems Global positioning systems have transformed the way that people interact with their environments. Over the years, navigation tools have evolved to fit in our pockets.

Many people believe GPS started with the launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik. Scientists at MIT noticed that the frequency of the radio signals transmitted by the satellite increased as it approached Earth and decreased when it moved away. Satellites could be tracked by measuring the frequency of these radio signals, and thus the locations of receivers on the ground could be tracked by their distance from the satellites. This is the basis behind GPS technology. The United States Navy built the first real satellite navigation system in 1959. Known as TRANSIT, the system was designed to locate submarines and would pave the way for the GPS systems that today are used in vehicles, aircraft, phones and more.

Satellites are necessary for People may be surprised at just how far-reaching GPS all GPS systems to work. The technology is today. GPS sensors are used on objects to Federal Aviation Administration track them, as is the case for fleet vehicle management says the baseline satellite or finding missing persons. Sensors deliver real-time constellation in space consists data on horse races and military missiles. However, of 24 satellites positioned in six earth-centered orbital navigation GPS in vehicles is where GPS may be much planes with four operation satellites and a spare more pervasive on the consumer level. These systems can satellite slot in each orbital plane. The system can not only provide step-by-step directions and mapping, support up to 30 satellites in orbit. The exact number but also they can alert us to traffic jams, provide alternate of satellites operating at any one particular time varies routes, help people avoid accidents, and even find others depending on the number of satellite outages and operational spares in orbit. Due to this constellation, you know on the roads nearby. the basic GPS signal is accurate at the worst to GPS continues to evolve and be within approximately 100 meters lateral and 140 a valuable navigation tool for meters vertical everywhere on Earth. people around the world.

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> H ow t o

reduce maintenance costs ajor repairs to a vehicle can be expensive. When unanticipated repairs are necessary, budgets can be thrown out of whack, potentially causing a domino effect that compromises the ability to pay bills on time.

By adhering to manufacturer maintenance guidelines and paying attention to vehicles, drivers can reduce the cost of owning a vehicle.

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Whether your vehicle is brand new, a few years old or reaching milestones on its odometer, there are ways to care for the vehicle so you aren’t caught off guard by costly repairs down the road. + Read your owner’s manual. A vehicle owner’s manual is a great resource that can help drivers keep their cars and trucks running strong for years.

Every vehicle, whether it’s purchased brand new from a dealership or preowned from a preowned dealer or private citizen, should come with an owner’s manual. Don’t worry if you purchased a preowned vehicle from a private citizen who lost the manual, as many manufacturers have manuals available for free on their websites. Print manuals may cost some money. Drivers may be able to find their manuals elsewhere online on a site such as Justgivemethedamnmanual.com, which has thousands of manuals from various automakers available. Once you have the manual in hand or on your computer, visit the maintenance section to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines. Adhering to those guidelines is a great way to keep your car running strong for years on end, and it might just save you from the hassle of sudden expensive repairs.

+ Protect the engine. The engine is arguably the most expensive part of your vehicle to replace, so protecting it should be a priority. Routine oil changes and oil filter replacements is a great way to protect the engine. Manufacturer guidelines vary in regard to oil change and oil filter replacement intervals, but such recommendations can be found in your manual. + Hone your DIY skills. Drivers also can save money on maintenance by doing some of their own maintenance and repairs. YouTube has DIY tutorials that can teach drivers how to change their own oil and replace the filters on their vehicles. Routine repairs are relatively easy, and many tutorials can walk you through them step-by-step. Depending on how much you drive, learning to do your own minor vehicle repairs may save you hundreds of dollars per year. + Perform routine inspections. Older vehicles may or may not alert drivers via lights, noises or leaks that they’re in need of repair. Routine inspections of hoses, brakes and tires, which should always be properly inflated, can let drivers know if their vehicles are experiencing problems before those problems grow and become something costly.

Vehicle maintenance costs tend to be more expensive when drivers ignore routine maintenance or miss signs that their cars and trucks might be struggling.

cut the costs of ownership When buying a new vehicle, many consumers are fixated on sticker prices. And that’s understandable, as the automotive resource Kelley Blue Book noted that, in March 2018, the average transaction price for light vehicles purchased in the United States was more than $35,000.

But as any veteran vehicle owner knows, the costs of owning a car or truck go beyond sticker price.

Maintenance, insurance and fuel are some of the additional expenses that are part of owning a vehicle. And while it can be hard to get dealers to lower a sticker price, drivers can take other steps to reduce the cost of owning a vehicle.

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Make a long-term commitment. Many drivers finance their auto purchases with loans from the bank. When loans reach maturity, or if drivers pay the loans off early, only then are they free from monthly

payments. But over the years many drivers have equated the maturity dates on their auto loans with a time to buy a new car, essentially starting the process all over again. By resolving to keep their cars once their loans are paid off, drivers are making a long-term commitment to their vehicles and saving some money along the way. Even keeping a car that required a $400 monthly loan payment for one year after paying the loan off can save drivers nearly $5,000 in loan payments, and even more if drivers reduce their insurance coverage once the vehicle is officially theirs.

Downsize your vehicle. Parents cart kids around town in minivans or SUVs that have the capacity to hold sports gear, musical instruments,

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etc. But if the kids are out of the house or still under your roof but now behind the wheels of their own car, consider downsizing to a small vehicle. Small vehicles are typically less expensive to purchase, and they won’t cost as much to insure or fill up at the gas station.

Skip the bells and whistles. Today’s drivers may want their cars to be mobile offices and entertainment centers outfitted with all the latest gadgets and accessories. Though such accessories might be nice, they aren’t necessary to get you from point A to point B. When buying a new car, buy the base model or one step up from the base model, which could save you thousands of dollars right off the bat.

Driving is a necessity that does not come cheap.

However, there are a few ways for motorists to reduce the costs of vehicle ownership.

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>experience

Motorcycle tours offer unique perspective otorcycles are a great way to experience the scenery around rural Colorado, and the Four Corners has perfect routes for a relaxing road trip. Owner of Durango Harley Davidson, Trevor Bird agrees.

As spring and summer approach, consider planning a relaxing road trip with motorcycle rentals.

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“Without a doubt, we offer some of the most incredible motorcycle riding in the country,” Bird said.

“You can go one hour in any direction and experience a completely different landscape from the deserts to Monument Valley to the Million Dollar Highway.”

Motorcycle tours make extraordinary road trips because riders get an up close and personal look at many sights and attractions along the way. In the Four Corners, riders can zigzag on mountain roads, ride along vistas and explore ghost towns.

There are a number of different styles of motorcycles made for specific types of riding. However, most bikes purchased in the United States are on-highway bikes made for touring. But individuals interested in spending just a day or week touring do not need to own their own motorcycle. There are a variety of motorcycle rental companies which offer individuals the opportunity to take self-guided tours around the Southwest.

“Last year was the first year we signed up with Eaglerider,” Bird said. “This year we signed up for a local fleet option, so I will have six Harley-Davidson motorcycles that are owned by the dealership that will be available for rental.”

Eaglerider representative at Durango HarleyDavidson Mary Orr said renting a motorcycle starts at $129 dollars for a single day, with discounts for longer trips. Orr said the experts in our region can match riders with routes that are comfortable for their experience level. Renting a bike is an option for both locals and tourists - all you need is a motorcycle endorsement on a valid state ID.

“We operate a motorcycle safety training course in conjunction with the state of Colorado and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation,” Bird said. “When you successfully graduate, you get a completion card, and you can get your Colorado motorcycle endorsement.”

The class consists of classroom instruction and riding practice over three days, and costs $249. Bird said that a helmet, bike and insurance is provided. He also mentioned that the majority of the students taking the new rider class are female, which is in line with national trends. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, the number of women riders is on the incline, thanks to younger generations. The survey found while 26 percent of Millennials that own motorcycles are women, 22 percent of motorcycle owners among Gen X are women.

Regardless of gender, all riders will need some basic equipment for a safe and comfortable ride, such as a helmet and sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen.

“The weather can change at any given moment,” Bird said. “Having your rain gear, a good leather jacket, some good boots, and making sure that you, as a rider, are being protected from the elements is a good place to start.”

Most local companies that allow motorcycle rentals also offer gear rental, or can point you in the right direction. Bird also suggests carrying items for the bike, like a portable air compressor, battery booster and a first aid kit.

auto businesses give back through local partnership

Change Your Oil Change A Life!

April is National Car Care month. To celebrate, AutoCare Colorado partners will donate $5 of each oil change in the month of April to one of three local charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Women’s Resource Center and Durango Youth Baseball.

Co-owner of Mountain Auto Care Tracy Cornutt said AutoCare Colorado is a business development group that was established in 2018 by owners of area auto and diesel repair shops and parts stores to encourage continued training for technicians and community service.

“For us, it’s about promoting National Car Care Month and what we can do that also supports our community,” Cornutt said. “Having a car is an expensive investment. Understanding the investment can lead to more reliability.”

To be a member of AutoCare Colorado, businesses must meet a strict set of guidelines set by the National Auto Care Council. Each business must be independently owned, employ ASE certified technicians, honor the best warranty in the industry and abide by a

specific code of ethics. Cornutt said the group holds monthly meetings, and the member dues contribute to a general fund that pays for training opportunities for partnered shop technicians.

Those interested in participating in the promotion can schedule an appointment for an oil change at one of the participating shops in April. + Mountain Auto Care + Vandegrift Diesel + Durango Autoworks + Animas Automotive + Bayfield Auto Care Center + Durango and Bayfield NAPA Auto Parts Stores At the end of the month, AutoCare Colorado will tally the donation amounts and present checks to each organization.

This April in honor of National Car Care Month, your local NAPA AutoCare Colorado members will be donating $5 to one of 3 charities with any regularly priced oil change! It’s a win for your car and a win for local women and kids

Make your appointment today at one of these NAPA Auto Care Centers Animas Automotive 970-259-2880 Bayfield Auto Care Center 970-884-9727 Durango Autoworks 970-247-4198 Mountain Auto Care 970-247-4040 Vandegrift Diesel 970-247-3301 *Can not be combined with other discounts

COMING SOON - MAY & JUNE SPECIAL

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>fuel

Unique ways to conserve fuel hile carpooling and multi-modal transport are great ways to save fuel, sometimes you have to drive. Defensive driving is not only a safe way to operate a vehicle - it is also a cost-effective one. Defensive drivers are less likely to make sudden stops or accelerate quickly, which can waste fuel.

But motorists might want to do more to conserve fuel. Fortunately, there are some unique and simple ways to save fuel and money. + Roll down the windows. According to Natural Resources Canada, using a vehicle’s air conditioning system increases its fuel consumption more than any other auxiliary feature. In fact, NRC notes that air conditioning systems can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent. That’s because vehicle AC systems require engines to work extra hard, which in turn requires them to consume more fuel. Due to aerodynamics, however, a wide-open window at highway speeds can decrease fuel efficiency by about 10 percent. + Avoid stop-and-go traffic. Idling greatly decreases fuel economy. When parked, shut off the engine. When traveling, schedule your commute to work or errands around town to avoid potential traffic jams that contribute to the needless consumption of fuel. If there’s no way to avoid traffic during your daily commute, consider investing in a vehicle with stop-start technology, which shuts the engine off when your vehicle comes to a halt before restarting it once you take your foot off the brake. The Union of Concerned Scientists notes that this technology can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5 percent.

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+ Make sure your gas cap is tight. A loose gas cap can adversely affect fuel economy. According to NAPA, a loose gas cap is a common contributor to poor fuel economy. Loose gas caps allow fuel vapors to leak and that decreases your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. After filling up at the pump, be sure to close the gas cap tightly. In addition, periodically inspect the cap for cracks or leaks and replace it if necessary. + Eliminate unnecessary weight. Drivers often accumulate items in their vehicles they may not need year round. Fuel efficiency decreases by one mile for every 200 pounds of additional weight. After the winter season, drivers can remove the junk in their trunk or truck bed like skis, poles, snowshoes, ice scrapers and chains to conserve fuel. + Keep tires inflated. Under-inflated tires cause fuel economy to drop by as much as two percent per pound of pressure below the proper inflation.

Check the vehicle’s manual for optimum tire inflation pressure, and carry a tire gauge to test pressure accurately.

While these tips are helpful mile to mile, regular vehicle maintenance is one of the best ways to fight fuel waste. Proper alignment, clean air filters and quality oil can make a huge difference long-term.

fu e l <

reasons to avoid topping off at the filling station he click of the nozzle when filling up at the gas station is recognizable to anyone with a few miles of driving under their belt. Once that nozzle clicks, just about every driver faces the decision of whether or not to squeeze a few extra cents’ worth of gas into their vehicles or remove the nozzle from their vehicles, place it back where it belongs and go along on their way.

Such scenes play out every day across the globe, and it’s likely that the majority of drivers try to squeeze a few extra drops into their tank. While topping off can seem like a financially savvy way to delay your next trip to the filling station, doing so may only cost drivers and the planet they call home. The following are four great reasons to skip topping off the next time you pull into a filling station.

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Topping off costs you money.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, drivers who top off at the pump are likely paying for gas they’re not getting. That’s because gas station pumps have vapor recovery systems that feed gas vapors back into their tanks in an effort to decrease air pollution. So any gas that drivers try to pump into their tanks after the nozzle has clicked may only be drawn into the vapor line and fed back into the gas station’s tanks and not your vehicle’s fuel tank.

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Topping off may damage your car.

Topping off won’t just hurt your pocketbook; it can potentially damage your vehicle as well. Fuel tanks need extra room inside them so gas can expand while

the car is being operated. Without room to expand, gas may evaporate into the vehicle’s vapor collection system, which can damage the system and produce greater gas emissions, thereby harming the planet.

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Topping off can affect the air you breathe.

If you had a choice, would you pay extra for more air pollution? Likely not. But the EPA notes that this is precisely what many people are doing when they top off their gas tanks. When vehicles’ fuel tanks are overfilled, gas vapors can escape into the air and produce toxic air pollutants. That adversely affects air quality, which ultimately affects your health as well.

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Topping off can cost the gas station money.

Many drivers may wonder why gas stations, who would seemingly benefit financially from topping off, post signs that forbid topping off. But the EPA notes that gas stations are likely to lose money due to drivers squeezing an extra few cents’ worth of gas into their vehicles. That’s because topping off can damage the station’s vapor recovery systems, causing them to operate improperly and requiring potentially costly maintenance.

Topping off at the filling station may seem like a savvy move. But drivers, their vehicles and the planet are best served by taking the pump handle out of the tanks at the familiar sound of the nozzle’s click.

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>safety

Keep tires road-worthy for safer driving aking driving more safe can come down to ensuring that the vehicle is in good working order — starting from the ground up.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that an average of 200 people die each year in tire-related crashes. In 2016, 733 people across the United States lost their lives in accidents in which tire malfunction was a contributing factor. Roughly 70 percent of single vehicle accidents are tire-related.

Tire function is an important part of maintaining vehicle safety and performance. Taking tire maintenance seriously can greatly reduce the chances of blowouts, accidents and fatalities.

Check tire tread

Maintain the right pressure

Learn about tire aging

Caring for tires not only improves safety, but also it extends the life of the tires, saving drivers money as a result. Michelin Tires says that simply checking the tires’ inflation pressure can make a significant difference in how long tires last. For example, a tire that is consistently 20 percent under-inflated may see its life expectancy reduced by 20 percent.

Tires that are not properly inflated also can have a high rolling resistance. In such instance, the engine must expend more effort to move the vehicle — thus eating up fuel.

Pressure should be checked at ambient temperature before driving. The recommended inflation pressure can be found in the drivers manual or on the tire.

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Tires rely on good tread depth to maintain traction and shed water during wet conditions. AAA recommends checking tread with a visual inspection and with the “quarter test.” Insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of Washington’s head facing down. If the top of his head is not visible, the tires have at least 4⁄32” of tread and are acceptable for continued use. If the top of Washington’s head shows, tires need to be replaced.

Check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations concerning replacing the spare tire for the vehicle. Some manufacturers state after six years, while others say 10 years is the maximum service life for tires. While most tire centers will use newly manufactured tires when replacing tires, you can double check the age of any tire by looking at the sidewall for the tire identification number (TIN), offers NHTSA. The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture.

Keep up on maintenance Wheel alignment, tire rotation and tire balancing are all key to minimizing wear and extending the life and safety of tires. Each vehicle has specific recommendations, and drivers should consult their manuals to find those specifics.

Traveling tips for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians Tens of millions of cars take to the highways every day, but they’re not the only mode of transportation allowed on the road. Cyclists and pedestrians also make use of streets when sidewalks or bike paths are unavailable.

Bicyclists accounted for 2.2 percent of all traffic deaths in the United States in 2016. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says nearly 15 pedestrians per day lose their lives when struck by motor vehicles.

Although biking and walking are inherently safe activities for millions of people per year, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can all take steps to make roads safer for everyone. + Follow the rules of the road. Whether you’re riding a bike or driving a motor vehicle, the rules of the road are the same. That means heeding traffic signals, signage, right-of-way and speed limits.

+ Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs motor skills, which are necessary to walk and operate cars and bicycles safely. Many accidents and fatalities on the roads can be traced to alcohol consumption. Do not drink and drive or drink and ride.

Pedestrians who need to walk heavily trafficked areas would be smart to limit their alcohol consumption as well. + Make yourself more visible. Pedestrians and cyclists can make themselves more visible to motorists in various ways. Wear bright-colored, reflective gear when walking or riding, and install reflective lights on bicycles.

+ Remain alert at all times when behind the wheel. Motorists should be focused on the road at all times, avoiding distractions such as smartphones and in-vehicle entertainment systems. Such devices can dramatically reduce motorists’ reaction times, greatly increasing the risk of accident. Slow down when cyclists, runners and other pedestrians are nearby. + Pass safely and give room. Do not pass too closely when driving near cyclists and pedestrians. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Whether driving, riding a bicycle or walking, everyone should work together to share roads safely.

The more you know

+ Whether marked or unmarked, legal crosswalks exist at all public street intersections.

Colorado statutes define a crosswalk as “that portion of a roadway ordinarily included within the prolongation or connection of the lateral lines of sidewalks at intersections or any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other marking on the surface.”

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