SVN_Drive & Ride Magazine_092918

September 2018 Printed by

Sauk Valley Media

Campers’ guide to RV care and maintenance

Mitigating Mother Nature How to safeguard your vehicle from the elements

EMBRACING ELECTRIC

THE BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • September, 2018

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How to safeguard your vehicle from the elements

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3 tips to drive more efficiently

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Campers’ guide to RV care and maintenance

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The benefits of electric vehicles

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How to prepare for an out-of-town breakdown

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Top tips for buying teens their first cars

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Did you know - mirrors

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Items necessary to fix a flat tire

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How to recognize potential brake problems All content supplied by Metro Creative Graphics

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September, 2018 • SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

How to safeguard your vehicle from the elements

Parking a car in the sun can leave the vehicle vulnerable to damage such as faded exterior paint.

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n a perfect world, all vehicle owners would be able to park their cars and trucks in garages. In such a world, automobiles would not be vulnerable to sun, storms and other natural elements that, over time, can contribute to wear and tear.

But many drivers cannot or choose not to park their cars in garages. Some are content to let their vehicles brave the elements, while others look for ways to protect their cars and trucks as much as possible. Drivers who count themselves among the latter group can take these simple steps to protect their cars and trucks from whatever Mother Nature has in store for them.

Park in the shade. Parking in the shade can protect both the interior and exterior of a vehicle. Shaded areas protect upholstery and dashboards inside the car from sun-induced fading, while also limiting the damage sun can cause to exterior paint. Faded paint may hurt the resale value of a vehicle, prompting prospective buyers to walk away or at least wonder if a vehicle with a faded exterior was well maintained.

Wash and wax. Washing and waxing a vehicle helps to minimize damage that’s inevitable regardless of where drivers park their cars. Dirt and debris litter roadways, and over time cars can collect a large amount of these unwanted stowaways. If dirt and debris are not removed, they can cause long-term damage to vehicle exteriors. Washing and waxing a car can ensure its exterior looks good and reduce the likelihood of rust and other corrosion from occurring.

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3 tips to drive more efficiently

SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • September, 2018

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nlicensed drivers learning to drive are often taught the benefits of defensive driving. Safety is often the focus of such lessons, but the benefits of driving safely and efficiently extend far beyond safety.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by roughly 15 to 30 percent at highway speeds. In addition, a 2017 study from researchers at the DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that aggressive driving can contribute to a reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 40 percent in stop-and-go traffic.

Speeding as well as rapid acceleration and braking are hallmarks of aggressive driving, and each of these habits puts drivers, their passengers and other motorists at risk of accident and injury. By taking these steps to drive more efficiently, drivers can save money and potentially even lives.

1. Avoid rooftop cargo.

Rooftop cargo units can be beneficial for family vacations or other extended getaways. But using rooftop cargo boxes as traveling storage units for items you don’t need on a daily basis or simply keeping empty units attached to vehicle roofs compromises fuel efficiency. Rooftop cargo bins increase the aerodynamic drag on vehicles, forcing them to burn more fuel than they would need to burn while moving without anything attached to the roof. DOE estimates suggest that large, blunt rooftop cargo boxes can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 25 percent when a vehicle is moving at speeds between 65 and 75 miles per hour.

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2. Don’t treat your trunk like a closet.

Trunks are not closets, so resist the temptation to use them to store golf clubs and other items that are better stored in a house or garage. Research has indicated that an extra 100 pounds in a vehicle can reduce gas mileage by about 1 percent. Because that figure is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle’s weight, drivers of small vehicles may find using their trunks as closets to be especially costly and inefficient.

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3. Use cruise control when possible.

Cruise control makes it possible for vehicles to maintain constant speeds. That helps drivers ensure they are always obeying the speed limit, and it keeps cars from the constant acceleration and deceleration that wastes fuel.

Efficient driving is safe, cost-effective and eco-friendly. With some simple strategies, drivers can do their part to protect the planet and make roads safer, all while saving money.

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September, 2018 • SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

Campers’ guide to RV care and maintenance

Sometimes referred to as recreational vehicles, travel trailers or campers, RVs are popular. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, RV shipments through February 2017 totaled 73,287 units. This represents an increase of 8.6 percent from the same period in 2016. In fact, RV shipments have increased for seven consecutive years.

This popularity might be driven by the affordability and convenience of vacationing in an RV. Essentially hotels or homes on wheels, campers provide many amenities in a compact package. RVs can be enjoyable, but mechanical failures and other problems can happen.

Regular maintenance, care and examination is necessary to avoid trip interruptions. According to the recreational vehicle advice gurus at Do It Yourself RV, RVs require all of the standard maintenance of a car plus much more.

• Schedule oil changes and filter replacement. To keep the hard-working engine of an RV operating at optimal capacity, oil changes and air filter replacements should be conducted at regular intervals and in adherence to the owner’s manual. Such maintenance prevents engines from seizing.

• Keep it covered. RV roofs are susceptible to sun and environmental damage. Store the RV under a steel RV carport or cover it using a product specifically designed for an RV. Remember to routinely inspect and clean the roof of the camper as well.

• Check for leaks. Look under the RV and/or tow vehicle for any signs of leaks. Repair leaks promptly. Transmission fluid leaks can lead to vehicle fires. When checking for leaks, check fluid levels to ensure they’re at the proper level. This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid.

• Check radiator coolant. Radiator coolant is another important fluid to check. Antifreeze protects the engine in cold temperatures, but it also helps the engine run cooler in hot temperatures. Wait for the RV to cool down before checking fluids.

• Periodically run the generator. RV generators shouldn’t go unused for too long. Gasoline has a short shelf life, and after time it can break down, condense and damage the generator’s internal components. Run the generator if the RV has not been used for awhile. Be sure to change the oil and filter of the generator regularly as well.

• Drain and clean water and waste systems. Water systems can benefit from being drained periodically and flushed with clean, fresh water. The disposal waste system needs to be drained as

indicated in the owner’s manual.

• Lubricate joints and slide-out rails. Avoid rust and corrosion by spraying moving parts with a lubricant spray.

RVs can be a home away from home while vacationing or touring the country. With proper maintenance, they can run like new for years.

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The benefits of electric vehicles SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • September, 2018

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lectric vehicles remain a curiosity for many motorists. While many industry experts predict all cars on the road will be electric models at some point in the future, gas-powered vehicles still outnumber electric cars by a wide margin.

Some drivers may be hesitant to purchase electric cars out of a fear of the unknown.

That’s understandable considering the cost of new vehicles, electric or gas-powered. According to analysts at Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was more than $36,000 in early 2018. That makes vehicles a significant investment and perhaps explains why consumers have thus far been hesitant to embrace electric cars en masse. But the benefits of electric cars are many, and understanding just what those benefits are might compel more drivers to make the leap.

Effects on local economies Many countries, including

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the United States, import a substantial percentage of the petroleum they consume. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy notes that the United States imports 19 percent of the petroleum it consumes, threequarters of which is used for transportation. All-electric vehicles can be powered solely by domestically produced electricity, which can benefit local economies in countries such as the United States and Canada.

Cost savings There’s no denying that purchase prices for electric cars and even hybrid vehicles are higher than those for more conventional, gas-powered vehicles. However, many countries offer sizable tax credits to buyers of hybrid and electric vehicles. In addition, fuel costs for hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles are low, which can help offset the high purchase price of such automobiles.

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Environmental impact The DOE notes that electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. The same goes for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles when they’re operating in all-electric mode. That’s a substantial benefit, as tailpipe emissions pose a significant threat to the environment as well as human health.

Common tailpipe emissions include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, benzene, and carbon dioxide.

Such pollutants can lead to further depletion of the ozone and some, such as benzene, are known carcinogens.

Electric vehicles have yet to catch on a wide scale.

However, the overwhelming benefits of such cars and trucks makes it extremely likely that they are the future of driving for those motorists who have thus far been hesitant to ditch their gaspowered automobiles.

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September, 2018 • SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

How to prepare for an out-of-town breakdown R oad trips make for excellent getaways. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend excursion or a lengthy vacation, driving yourself to your destination is a great way to travel, especially for families looking to save money.

Though no one wants to think about the possibility of a vehicle breakdown while out of town, such things do happen. How prepared drivers are can go a long way toward determining how affected drivers and their passengers will be if this happens.

Get a checkup before skipping town. It sounds simple, but many drivers may overlook the importance of vehicle checkups before departing on weekend getaways or longer trips. A full checkup (including an oil change if the recommended interval has passed or is approaching) can uncover any problems that might derail a trip.

Examine your options in regard to emergency roadside assistance. Insurance providers typically offer emergency roadside assistance to policy holders for a nominal fee, and memberships in clubs such as AAA also are inexpensive.

That’s especially true when drivers compare the cost of extra coverage or AAA membership to the potential price tag of a tow truck and out-of-town repairs. Drivers should note that outof-town repairs may require costly overnight shipping of parts so travelers can get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Roadside assistance offered through an insurance company or motor club may include tow trucks free of charge up to a certain number of miles, allowing travelers to get their cars back home without breaking the bank.

Inspect tires, including your spare. Many a road trip has been derailed or thrown off schedule due to a flat tire or tires.

Before departing, check the condition of your existing tires, including the spare, as well as the air pressure in each one.

Firestone notes that many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires at six years, regardless of tread wear. Tires that get heavy usage should be replaced even more frequently. To determine if tread wear is something to worry about, Firestone recommends the penny test, which involves placing a penny head first into several tread grooves across the tire. If the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head is always visible, then your tires are shallow and worn and need to be replaced. But if part of Lincoln’s head is always covered, your tires can probably withstand the trip. Worn tire treads can make it hard for tires to safely navigate roads in inclement weather, so don’t discount the importance of this simple step.

Bring along some basic tools. Pack some basic tools, such as screw drivers, wrenches, pliers, a trolley jack, a battery charger, and, of course, duct tape, which may help you temporarily solve some issues on your own. This is especially important for drivers who intend to visit remote locations where mobile phone networks may be inaccessible and the nearest tow truck might be far away. Hone your tire-changing skills before hitting the road and make sure tools are still capable of performing the kind of basic maintenance that might help your vehicle safely return to civilization.

Vehicle breakdowns happen, even while on vacation. Some advance preparation can help drivers avert out-of-town disasters.

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Top tips for buying teens their first cars

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electing a first car for a teenage son or daughter can be challenging.

Newly licensed drivers probably want something sporty that also looks cool, while their parents no doubt want them behind the wheel of something sturdy, safe and reliable.

According to the experts at Edmunds.com, an automotive research and advice group, involving teens in the process of selecting a car helps teach them responsibility and learn lessons about money that may

help them make smart choices in the future.

Manage expectations. Cars are generous gifts and not something teenagers have a right to. Teenagers may not realize the expenses involved in acquiring, running and insuring a vehicle. Parents can explain all of these factors.

Unless the teen has enough money to buy his or her own car, the final call is up to the parents on how much to spend and which vehicle to choose.

Note that bigger isn’t always

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Start teen drivers out with a vehicle that is not too flashy but gets high marks for safety. better. Some parents think their teens will be safer in a truck or SUV. While large vehicles may fare slightly better in a crash, they can be more cumbersome to park and drive, especially for novices. A large vehicle may tempt teens to pile in friends for a Saturday night, but research indicates the risk of a crash increases with multiple teens in a car.

Choose safety over looks.

Safety should be the top priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to crash than older drivers.

Choose a vehicle with a high safety rating over one that looks stylish or comes equipped with distracting bells

and whistles.

Pass down the family roadster. Teenagers may anticipate being handed the keys to a brand-new or previously owned vehicle off of a dealership lot. But giving him or her a set of keys to a car already in the driveway may be more practical. Everyone involved already knows the history, driving capabilities, safety statistics, and potential quirks of cars that have been in the family for years. It may not be flashy, but cars already in the driveway will get teenagers from point A to point B just as effectively as those currently sitting idle on the dealership lot.

Outfitting a new teen driver with a car requires careful research.

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Did you know?

The most popular electric car model of 2018 is the BAIC EC-Series.

Manufactured in China, the BAIC EC-Series sold more than 15,000 units in January and February of 2018, unseating the Nissan Leaf as the most popular electric car across the globe. However, the Leaf remains popular, as electric car buyers made it the second most popular electric car model in the world in the first few months of 2018. The Leaf also remains the best-selling electric car in the world since it was first introduced in 2010, a function of its performance as well as its widespread availability. For electric car buyers with some money to spend, the third most popular model of 2018, the Tesla Model S, might do the job. Starting at around $75,000, the Model S can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds and its 100 kWh battery allows it to run 315 miles before needing to be recharged.

Did you know?

The disclaimer “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear” is featured on passenger-side mirrors of vehicles manufactured in the United States, Canada, India, Korea, and Australia.

These mirrors are convex, which means they distort the size of objects viewed in the mirror, and as such, distorts the perception of how close or far away objects are from the driver’s car. However, this distortion allows for the reflection of a wider field of view on the side of the vehicle to help eliminate blind spots. In the United States and Canada, driver’s side mirrors are flat or “planar.” Dual convex mirrors are not currently the norm on vehicles manufactured in North America based on requirements implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 and the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111. Elsewhere, such as in Europe, dual convex mirrors are included on vehicles. Many automotive companies support having two convex mirrors on the sides of cars to eliminate blind spots, as well as reduce the driver’s need to twist his head to the left when turning or changing lanes. However, flat mirrors have been required to avoid distortion and give drivers the most accurate assessment of traffic to their left for changing lanes, called “unit magnification.” Currently, drivers can modify their driver’s-side mirrors to include a convex mirror add-on, as long as the mirrors also have the required flat portion.

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The United States and Canada have two of the lowest minimum age driving requirements in the world. Minimum driving age requirements vary by the state and province in the United States and Canada, respectively. However, in many areas of the United States, drivers can begin driving with a learner’s permit around the age of 14 (drivers with learner’s permits often must be accompanied by fully licensed drivers), while the minimum driving age in most Canadian provinces is 16 (it is 14 in Alberta). Throughout much of Africa, including in countries such as Egypt, Kenya and Morocco, the minimum driving age is 18. The Central American countries of Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua also make young people wait until the age of 18 before they can get behind the wheel. Much of South America is the same, with only Argentina (17) and Chile (17 with parental approval) allowing young people to drive before they turn 18. Many countries in Asia, including China (18), India (18 for cars, 16 for gearless bikes under 50 cc) and Japan (18 for cars and motorcycles over 401 cc), also have higher minimum age driving requirements than the United States and Canada.

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SAUK VALLEY MEDIA • September, 2018

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Items necessary to fix a flat tire

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lat tires are a nuisance, but even the most well-maintained vehicles can be vulnerable to the occasional flat. Ensuring tires are properly inflated and in good condition can help drivers avoid accidents, but won’t necessarily make tires immune to flats. The following are some essential items that all drivers should keep in their vehicles so they can quickly and correctly replace flat tires.

Spare tire: Spare tires are typically located in the trunk beneath the carpet-like mat covering the area. SUV drivers may have their spare tires mounted on the back of their vehicles, but some are located beneath the automobile. Periodically inspect spare tires to make sure they are inflated. When buying or leasing new cars, drivers should always confirm if the vehicle comes with a spare.

Jack: A jack is necessary to change a flat tire. Scissor jacks are widely used and tend to be the jacks most people keep in their trunks. These jacks are lightweight and won’t take up much space, and the handle is typically the tire iron that comes with the vehicle. Some jacks are specially designed to fit the vehicles they came with, so when shopping for replacement jacks, make sure any you are considering are compatible with your car or truck.

Lug wrench: A lug wrench is necessary to remove hubcaps or wheel covers. Drivers should determine if their vehicles require a special tool to remove wheel covers. Such information will be indicated in the owner’s manual, which should be kept in the vehicle at all times.

Wheel wedges: Wheel wedges can be placed in front of or behind tires to prevent the car from rolling while drivers change

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their flats. When changing a rear tire, place the wedges in front of the front tires. When changing a front tire, place them behind the rear tires.

Miscellaneous items: While the aforementioned items are all that’s necessary to change a tire, some miscellaneous items can facilitate the process of replacing a flat. In their cars, drivers can keep a small cloth bag containing a pair of gloves, a flashlight, batteries to go with the flashlight, a poncho to keep them dry should they need to change a tire in the rain, and a ballcap that can keep rain or sunlight out of their eyes so they can focus on the job at hand. It’s also a good idea to keep a blanket in the trunk of your car so passengers can stay warm inside while the flat tire is replaced.

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September, 2018 • SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

How to recognize potential brake problems

see if any fluids are pooling.

Drivers must address symptoms of a faulty braking system early on to reduce their risk of accidents.

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aintaining a vehicle is more than just a way to protect one’s financial investment. Vehicle maintenence can protect against accidents and make the road safer for drivers and their passengers as well as their fellow motorists.

Fully functioning brakes are an important component of automotive safety. In its 2015 Crash Stats report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that brake-related problems accounted for 22 percent of crashes where vehicular failure was cited as the cause of the collision. Bad brakes are particularly notorious for rear-end collisions. Faulty, worn brake lines, antilock brake system malfunctions and worn brake pads and discs are some potential brake problems.

It is important that motorists learn to recognize the first symptoms of brake trouble so they can address issues before they put drivers, their passengers and other motorists at risk of accident or injury.

Unusual noises: Screeching, grinding, rubbing, and high-pitched sounds are

common indicators that brake pads, rotors and other parts of the braking system need attention. Worn pads can cause damage to other vehicle parts, resulting in more expensive repairs if they’re not addressed promptly.

Pulling: If the car pulls to one side when applying the brakes, this may indicate brake pad linings are wearing down unevenly. A brake adjustment may be necessary. Pulling also may be indicative of an object or debris caught in the brake fluid.

Less responsive: If when pressing on the brake pedal the brakes just do not seem to be as effective as they once were, or it is necessary to press the pedal harder for the brakes to engage, there may be a brake fluid leak or an air leak. Check under the vehicle to

Pungent odors: Firestone Tire Company says a burning smell may be indicative of worn out brake pads and friction on the tires. Each of these issues require immediate attention.

Vibrations: Certain vibrations may indicate brake issues. Rotors can become warped from metal-on-metal rubbing, potentially leading to a failure of the vehicle to brake properly. Vibrations also may indicate tires are misaligned.

These problems can be properly assessed by a trained mechanic.

Do not let potential brake problems go unchecked. Keeping brakes in good working order helps drivers stop more readily and avoid collisions.

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