2026 Fall
CAR& TRUCK Guide
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An Advertising Supplement to
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2 - Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - Say You Saw It In “The Shopping News”
Basic Car Driving Tips For All Seasons
How many out there wish to spend more time in the car than other things? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends about 49 minutes a day commuting to and from work. Avoiding an accident requires both hands on the wheel and no distractions. Only 25 percent of the driving population takes to the roads at night. Yet, nighttime accidents account for 50 percent of driving accidents. Light is the major thing while you drive in the nighttime to avoid accidents. Xenon headlights create wider beams, which are lit more evenly, allowing drivers to see more of the road, and are virtually impervious to shock and vibrations. Xenon lights also last longer, providing more than 3,000 hours in an automotive application, compared to 1,000 hours for halogen. Small changes can make big differences. If drivers buy cars with Xenon headlights, they will likely enhance their own safety and energy efficiency. When a car is in top operating condition, it will not only enhance the safety conditions for drivers and passengers, but also help people save on gas. One of the first things you should do is familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your vehicle. It is important to read the owner’s manual and follow proper winterizing sugges-
• Do not pass maintenance What To Know About Modern Electronic Vehicles vehicles or plows on the
Motorists who spend a lot of time behind the wheel have undoubtedly noticed the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) traversing the roadways. Once a relatively rare sight, EVs are growing in popularity, and one need look no further than the nearest highway for evidence of that trend. The sight of an EV on the road may spark some curiosity in drivers who have never before driven such vehicles. Some drivers may even ponder purchasing an EV when the time comes to replace their existing vehicles. With that in mind, here are some interesting characteristics of modern EVs. • The EV market is booming: Drivers’ eyes are not fooling them, as there are, in fact, significantly more EVs on the road today than there were as recently as eight years ago. Data from the International Energy Agency indicates that there were 114,000 battery electric and plug-in electric car registrations in the United States in 2015, a figure that rose to 295,000 by 2020. And the United States is lagging far behind regarding EV registrations, which totaled just under 1.4 million in 2020. • EV purchases are incen-
tivized: The IEA reports that governments across the world spent USD $14 billion on direct purchase incentives and tax deductions for electric cars in 2020. That marks a 25 percent year-onyear increase. • EV offerings have diversified: Though buyers outside the United States have more options than buyers in the U.S., the EV market has still diversified to provide drivers with more options than in years past. The IEA reports that worldwide roughly 370 electric car models were available in 2020. That marks a 40 per-
cent increase from 2019. Though supply chain issues may affect the availability of EVs in certain regions of the world, there’s no denying that EV manufacturers offer significantly more options to modern buyers than they did in years past. • EV batteries last a long time: The automotive experts at J.D. Power note that EV batteries generally last between 10 and 20 years. Certain variables affect the life expectancy of EV batteries, which explains the significant gap in the J.D. Power estimate. Drivers who live in areas where extreme
weather, such as excessive heat and frigid cold, is the norm, may not get as many years out of their EV batteries as those who live in consistently moderate climates. And though the driving range of EV batteries varies, the Credit Union of Southern California indicates drivers can expect to get an average of 250 miles in a single charge. EVs are increasingly noticeable on roadways across the globe. That growing popularity reflects changes in the industry that have made it more feasible than ever to own an EV.
tions that involve the battery, lights, defroster, heater, motor oil, antifreeze, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure, brakes and brake fluid, belt, hoses, and filters. Before hitting the road during winter travel, you
must clear the snow and ice from not only all windows and lights, but also the hood and roof of the car. In addition to maintaining the safety level of your vehicle, you must also pay extra attention to the way you drive in the wintertime. This
means staying off of the cell phone and adhering to the legal speed limit. Additionally, a driver should: • Not forget to wear seat belt. • Stay alert and drive without distractions. • Drive completely sober.
• Drive with headlights on. • Give ample amount of time to slow down when roads are slippery. • When roads are icy or snowy, the best suggestion is to delay travel, especially when “black ice” is involved.
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right and give them at least 200 feet between them and your vehicle. • Avoid traveling on bridges or long travel during icy conditions. • Since trucks take longer to stop than cars, do not cut in front. • Avoid cruise control or overdrive in freezing cold weather. • Avoid pumping anti-lock brakes - it is much better to “stomp and steer.” • In case of a puncture or blowout hold on to the steering wheel firmly. Draw the vehicle towards the corner of the road. • If you sense fire, switch off the ignition and draw the vehicle towards the side of the road. Switch on the hazard lights. Try to put out the fire by throwing sand onto it. If the fire grows, stay away from it, it could lead to an explosion. Try to find help as quickly as possible and warn others. Plan the best route to your destination. Try to avoid hills, busy areas and bridges. Anticipate cars coming from side streets and allow extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If someone is riding your bumper, don’t speed up; maintain your pace and let them go around you. As an additional precautionary measure, store name and telephone number of an emergency contact on your cell phone under the name “ICE.” This acronym stands for “emergency” aid and rescue personnel quickly locate a friend or family member.
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Vehicle The Role Of Engine Air Filters Buying A Maintenance Vehicle engines include Teen’s First complex parts that work in Schedule Vehicle concert to ensure that the car Modern vehicles have surpassed their predecessors thanks to innovations that make driving and maintenance safer, easier and more convenient. In spite of the most impressive advancements, vehicle ownership still requires that drivers maintain their cars and trucks so they perform as designed. Such upkeep also helps to improve safety and save people money by heading off more costly repairs. Following a recommended maintenance schedule can ensure vehicles function properly. Below are some mileage-based guidelines related to vehicle maintenance, courtesy of CarFax and Advance Auto Parts. • Every 3,000 miles: This is a good time to check up on all fluids in the car to be sure the levels are where they should be. These include coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and engine oil, among others. • Every 5,000 miles: Change the vehicle’s oil and fuel filter if using conventional oil. Vehicles using synthetic oil may be able to go further between changes. Many vehicles will use an internal computer system to alert when it is time to change the oil. This may be a good time to also change the cabin and engine air filters. Look under the hood and give the battery terminal a check, looking for any corrosion or loose cables. • Every 10,000 miles: It’s time to take the car in to
functions properly. When servicing their cars and trucks, vehicle owners may look to many parts of the engine yet overlook a relatively mundane, albeit important, component: the air filter. All cars come equipped with air filters, which are essential to optimum engine operation. The engine air filter is the first line of defense against outside air that is being brought in to the car engine to be burned along with fuel to produce combustion. The filter will capture particulate matter that would normally enter a vehicle’s engine and leave sediment. The automotive resource It Still Runs says dirty air can reduce engine efficiency and cause damage over time. Dirty air can compromise the air/fuel mixture that is involved in combustion. Any debris that enters portals in fuel injection systems can compromise that system. In addition, debris can
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have the tires rotated. Rotating the tires at regular intervals helps avoid uneven wear and tear. The vehicle also may need a tire alignment, especially if drivers notice it is pulling to one side. Brake problems tend to be self-alerting, but drivers also may want to visually inspect brakes at this time just to be sure there isn’t too much wear. • At 36,000 miles: New
cause fuel to burn less efficiently, resulting in poor fuel economy. There is no simple answer as to how often an engine air filter should be changed. It largely depends on miles driven and the environment in which the vehicle is used. Those who reside in rural or dusty areas will need to replace air filters more frequently. Drivers also can install air filters more suited to dusty areas. An engine filter is not the only filter in a vehicle. There also is a cabin air filter. The cabin air filter does not af-
fect engine performance, but it does help to provide clean air inside of the vehicle. The cabin air filter helps to keep dirt, pollen, bacteria, exhaust gases, and dust from entering the HVAC system. It also can be a barrier against bugs, leaves and other particles from clogging up the system. The cabin filter also helps to keep the air fresh and odor-free. A clogged filter can result in diminished heating and air conditioning performance, so it’s important to change this filter as well.
vehicle owners may want to have their vehicles looked over thoroughly before the standard three-year warranty expires. This way they can have any issues corrected before they will cost more to repair.
• At 50,000 miles+: Inspect the exhaust, emissions and suspension systems at this time. One also can drain and replace transmission fluid. Tires may be in need of replacement at this time as well.
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Adolescence is an exciting time in a young person’s life, but one specific development may eclipse all others in the level of excitement it generates: getting a driver’s license. The ability to legally drive affords teenagers, long dependent on family or friends to get around, much more freedom. While most teenagers hone their driving skills by borrowing the family car, over time teens may need a car of their own. Buying a car is an important financial decision. Whether a teen is purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle, there are some tips to consider to secure a vehicle that is safe, affordable and reliable. • Is the time right? Everyone in the household may be anxious to add an extra car to the mix because it may alleviate trying to juggle use of one of the other family cars. However, do not rush into the transaction. In recent years, a lack of inventory related to the pandemic drove up the prices of both new and pre-owned vehicles. Families may need to wait until inventory increases and prices drop. • Establish expectations. Parents and teens should have conversations about re-
sponsibilities regarding buying cars. Talk about who will be paying for the vehicle as well as insurance, maintenance and all of the other expenses. • Financing may not be an option. Teenagers typically have no credit history, so it’s unlikely they will secure a loan without a co-signer. Furthermore, teens under the age of 18 may find they are not legally able to sign contracts or have a vehicle title in their name. In such instances, an adult will have to hold the title and ownership until the teen turns 18. • Prioritize safety. According to Honda, motor vehicles are the leading cause of teenage death, so it is vital to find a reliable and safe car or truck. Vehicle size, crash test performance and safety features are the most important factors to consider when looking at cars for teens. A car with a high safety rating also may translate to discounted auto insurance, which can be a big help considering teens typically pay more for insurance. • Opt for a used vehicle. While a shiny new car parked in the driveway is appealing, pre-owned vehicles are more affordable. The insurance premiums on new cars are higher, and teens don’t have as much driving experience, so dings and dents may be par for the course. It can be more costly to repair a new vehicle than an older one.
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4 - Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - Say You Saw It In “The Shopping News”
Learn About Your Vehicle - Common Car Component Functions Did You
It’s been said it takes a village to raise a child. And when it comes to cars and trucks, scores of components are required to ensure a vehicle is operational. Various parts must work in concert to power a car or truck. Drivers may not fully understand the roles of the key components under the hood and elsewhere. The following are some of the parts and features involved in vehicle operation. • Engine: The engine is the most important component in a gas-powered vehicle. Without it, the vehicle would not move. Most modern vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine, which creates energy by igniting a mixture of fuel and air. Increasingly, however, customers are opting for electric motors that store energy in rechargeable batteries. • Cooling system: This component keeps the engine at a temperature that is optimal to prevent overheating. It consists of a radiator that
transfers heat from the hot engine coolant to the atmosphere; a water pump that forces coolant to circulate; and a thermostat to regulate the engine’s operating temperature. • Transmission: The transmission is a complex system of gear sets, hydraulic torque converters, and clutches and bands. Automatic transmissions work automatically to
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shift to accelerate and decelerate as needed for a smooth driving experience. Drivers control a manual transmission. AutoZone notes there’s also a continuously variable transmission that continuously adjusts the transmission ratio to optimize fuel efficiency. • Battery and alternator: The battery stores energy so it can be released as electricity to run the vehicle’s electrical components. The alternator is responsible for generating electricity for the vehicle, but also to recharge the battery. • Catalytic converter: This part is a component of the
exhaust system. It is an emissions control device that will transform dangerous exhaust gases into water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. • Brakes: The brakes on a vehicle slow it down and enable it to come to a stop. Cars will have disc or drum brake systems. Disc brakes include calipers, rotors and pads. The calipers are housings for the brake pads and are responsible for converting hydraulic pressure when the driver presses the brake pedal into mechanical force. The brake pads create friction against the brake rotor (a spinning disc), generating the force needed to stop the car.
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• Shock absorbers: A car ride would be very rough and bumpy without a suspension system. Shock absorbers are springs that smooth out the ride by ensuring the tires remain in contact with the road surface. Worn shocks can cause vibrations and uneven tire wear. • Starter and solenoid: The starter is responsible for turning the engine’s crankshaft. When the ignition is engaged, it moves a small gear called a pinion. Then the starter motor spins, cranking the engine to initiate the combustion process. The solenoid is an electromechanical switch between the battery and the starter that receives an electrical signal when the vehicle ignition is engaged. The solenoid powers the starter, which helps to crank the engine. • Steering system: The steering components transfer input from the steering wheel to the front wheels. Modern cars have power steering, which reduces the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel. The steering wheel rotates the steering column, which rotates the pinion gear that connects to a rack that extends the width of the vehicle. As the pinion rotates, it pushes the rack, which then moves the tie rods and steering knuckles on the front tires.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that motorcycle helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries in motorcycle accidents and 37 percent effective in preventing deaths. Despite that, many states do not mandate that all riders wear helmets when riding their motorcycles. The Insurance Information Institute reports that 47 states and the District of Columbia have some form of a motorcycle helmet law. As of recent, Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire have no law governing motorcycle helmet usage for riders. Many states require riders 17 and younger to wear helmets whenever they’re riding their motorcycles. Laws are somewhat more uniform in Canada, where all motorcycle riders, including passengers, are required to wear helmets at all times. However, each province and territory in Canada is free to specify the standards a helmet must meet to comply with the law. Anyone planning to travel through Canada and/or the United States on a motorcycle should consult the laws in areas they plan to visit to ensure they’re in compliance with local laws at all times.
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Say You Saw It In “The Shopping News” - Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - 5
Defensive Driving Offers Many Benefits To You And Your Vehicle Get The Defensive driving is a Best Deal technique and set of skills that is designed to make On Auto roadways as safe as possiDefensive driving Insurance ble. teaches drivers how to anOwning a motor vehicle is not cheap. In addition to the purchase price of the vehicle, owners must also pay for routine maintenance as well as fuel. Insuring the vehicle likely won’t come cheap either, especially for those drivers with less than perfect driving histories. But even drivers with poor track records behind the wheel can find ways to reduce the cost of insuring their vehicles. The following are a few ways to avoid overspending on auto insurance. • Choose the right vehicle. The vehicle you drive goes a long way toward determining the cost of your auto insurance. Minivans have long had a stranglehold atop the list of the least expensive vehicles to insure until the model year 2013, when crossovers and sport utility vehicles took control of the list. When choosing your next vehicle, keep the make and model of the vehicle in mind if you’re looking to minimize the cost of your auto insurance. • Fix your credit. Drivers with average or below-average credit, regardless of their driver history, are likely to pay more for auto insurance than those with above-average credit. That’s because insurance agencies take credit history into account when determining their rates. A suspect credit history or a history of paying bills late will be a red flag to prospective insurers. So before buying a new car, address any issues on your credit re-
ticipate potential hazards and respond to them accordingly. By maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings, directing focus to the road and preparing to act quickly, drivers can greatly reduce their risk of being involved in accidents. Although defensive driving is important from a personal safety perspective, it also can be good for vehicles. Here’s a look at some of the advantages to driving defensively. • Decrease the number of vehicle repairs. Driving defensively could help keep a vehicle out of the repair shop. When a person stays focused on the road, he or she can steer clear of debris, potholes and other vehicles that might normally cause damage. If there are no
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port so your insurance application is as glowing as possible. • Consolidate your coverage. Oftentimes, consolidating coverage is a great way to lower your insurance costs. Homeowners who consolidate their homeowners insurance with their auto insurance can expect to save a significant amount of money as a result. Though figures vary as to just how much consumers can save by consolidating their coverage, it’s not unrealistic that consumers can save as much as 15 percent by consolidating their coverages. An insurance carrier with a strong (Continued On Page 6)
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bumps and bruises to a vehicle, a driver will make less frequent trips to a mechanic or auto body shop. • Reduce the frequency of maintenance. Defensive driving can mean driving more smoothly. This can help drivers extend the life
expectancy of brakes and tires, saving them money along the way. • Reduce fuel consumption. Driving steadily and smoothly also can translate into greater fuel economy. This means a driver may not have to fill up at the gas pump as often.
• Lower auto insurance premiums. People who drive defensively and get into fewer accidents could be rewarded with lower insurance premiums. Money saved on car insurance could be used to finance vehicle upgrades. Savings also
can be repurposed for exterior and interior detailing, helping to retain the value of the vehicle for longer. Defensive driving offers many benefits to the person behind the wheel and the vehicle itself.
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6 - Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - Say You Saw It In “The Shopping News”
In The Market For A Car? - Four Car-Buying Tips To Consider Get The Drivers spend a lot of time in their vehicles, and that’s perhaps one reason why new car buyers are willing to spend so much on a new automobile. According to a recent report from Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price of a new vehicle in June 2025 was just under $49,000. Drivers who have not purchased a new car in a while may be overcome by sticker shock when they start shopping for a new car, but plenty of reliable vehicles can still be had for less than $49,000. Motorists in the market for new vehicles can consider these four tips as they begin their search for a new ride. 1. Consider buying in fall. Fall can be a buyer-friendly time to purchase a new vehicle because many dealerships may be seeking to unload outgoing model years to make room for the coming year’s models. In such instances, dealerships may sell outgoing model year vehicles for thousands of dollars less than the incoming year’s
models. Inventory of outgoing model years may be limited, which can reduce the options drivers have in regard to various amenities, such as vehicle color and accessories. But if such details aren’t high on buyers’ priority lists, then buying in fall can be advantageous.
2. Make a sizable down payment, if possible. Interest rates remain high, so the less drivers will need to borrow when buying a new car, the more money they’ll save in interest charges over the life of the loan. The consumer advocates at Consumer Reports recommend new car buyers put at least 15 percent
down and ideally between 20 and 25 percent at the time of purchase. The higher the initial down payment, the more manageable the ensuing monthly payments become. 3. Get your credit ducks in a row. Of course, the size of the down payment won’t be
the only number that determines the amount of a monthly payment. Drivers’ credit ratings affect their interest rates, so it’s best to maintain a good reputation or rebuild a poor one in the months leading up to a new car purchase. Pay off existing consumer debt entirely, if possible. If that’s beyond reason, then make sure to make all monthly payments on time and pay more than just the minimum required each month. 4. Shop for incentives. Consumer Reports notes that dealerships and manufacturers offer a wide range of incentives that can help to reduce the cost of a new vehicle. Cash-back offers and zero percent financing are two notable incentives buyers can shop for. After researching which vehicles to buy, shop around for incentives packages to help narrow down your options. Drivers in the market for a new vehicle can employ various strategies to land a reliable and affordable car or truck.
Best Deal On Auto Insurance (Continued From Page 5)
rating is a much better bet when consolidating, as such firms are more financially sound and more capable of offering better deals. • Negotiate a better deal. It’s easy for policyholders to stay with a company they have been with for years. However, it behooves consumers to periodically see what’s out there and shop around for a lower rate. If you get a quote that’s far less than what you’re paying now, get the quote in writing and take it to your current insurance provider. If you have a solid record with few claims, chances are strong the provider will match the offer, saving you the trouble of switching providers. Auto insurance is part of owning a vehicle. But drivers should know their rates are not set in stone and there are often savings to be had.
9 9 9 9 9 9 cautious. While that’s not Many drivers grew up being There are other things driv- necessary and will not im- oil’s color, which means the Things To necessarily a bad thing, but told that motor oil should be ers should know about mo- prove the performance of oil doesn’t need to be are times when being changed every 3,000 miles. tor oil. your vehicle during the trip. changed. Know About there too cautious can unnecessar- However, that myth has been • Oil does not necessarily • Black oil does not neces• You can use petroleumMotor Oil ily cost you money. debunked for many of to- need to be changed before a sitate a change. Convention- based oil after using synthet-
When it comes to taking Motor oil, and when to day’s vehicles, which should long trip. Taking a trip? al wisdom once suggested if ic. Another longstanding care of their vehicles, many change that oil, has long come with suggested inter- While it’s good to have your the oil on the dipstick is myth regarding motor oil motorists prefer to be overly been a point of contention. vals between oil changes. car examined before em- black then it needs to be was that once you use a synbarking, if the recommended changed. But nowadays au- thetic motor oil instead of a oil change interval is not up, tomotive professionals are petroleum-based oil you 715 E. Main Street then you do not need to pre- noting that black oil is doing have to continue using synNew Holland, PA 17557 emptively change your oil. its job and different addi- thetic oil, which is often 717.355.0436 office Such a change is likely un- tives might be changing the (Continued On Page 7) info@towerautorental.com www.towerautorental.com COUPON FAST, DRIVE-THRU SERVICE OIL CHANGE IN ABOUT 15 MINUTES
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Say You Saw It In “The Shopping News” - Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - 7
Though many people have happily put the COVID-19 pandemic behind them, lingering issues related to the pandemic continue to affect individuals in unique ways. That’s especially true for drivers looking to replace their existing vehicles. In the early days of the pandemic, efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 led many auto manufacturers to cease production at their factories. Semiconductor chip shortages related to the pandemic also led to factory closures. One of the ripple effects of those closures was a reduced inventory of new vehicles, which led individuals to look to the pre-owned market when they needed a new car. That increased the value of trade-ins, including tradeins of leased vehicles. The automotive experts at Edmunds note that the average trade-in value of a vehi-
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Want Your Car to Really Shine? Don’t Depend On Water Beads!
For years the most reliable way to tell if any wax was still on your car’s surface was by careful observation of the water beads after a rain. If the beads were high and small, the wax coating was either fresh or most of it was still there. Large flatter beads meant the wax coating was wearing off and no beading meant the wax was gone. Most people are under the false impression that if they see any water beading on their car, their wax is still creating the same gloss it did when first applied. Actually, shine diminishes each time a car is washed, driven, or exposed to rain, snow or ice. Simply drying the paint with a cloth after washing can reduce gloss. Don’t be fooled by some of today’s
Did You Know?
in your vehicle’s owner’s Things To manual. Know About • Consider an earlier oil change after buying a new Motor Oil vehicle. Sometimes a new (Continued From Page 6)
more expensive than more traditional motor oil, in order to avoid harming the vehicle. However, automotive professionals have noted that these two types of oils are now often blended, meaning switching back and forth from one to the other is not likely to cause any damage to your vehicle. Just be sure to use motor oil that meets the standards set forth
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cle leased in 2020 was 19 percent higher than the predetermined residual value, so lessees had greater incentive to keep the vehicles when their leases expired than in years past. That fur-
ther affected the supply of pre-owned vehicles on the market, which Cox Automotive reports has led to a spike in the cost of pre-owned vehicles in 2023. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value
Index indicates that, by midMarch 2023, wholesale used vehicle prices had already increased by 8.8 percent, a trend that Cox forecasters expected to continue as the years progressed.
synthetic waxes, as some will continue beading water even though shine has dulled. If you want to keep your car really glossy with that just waxed look, you should reapply whatever product you use when gloss diminishes. Never depend on water beading to indicate the condition of the shine. Here’s a simple way to determine the condition of gloss on your vehicle. Just wash and dry the hood. Apply wax to one small section of the hood. Now compare gloss in the waxed and the unwaxed areas by looking at your face’s reflection. If you can see your face more clearly in the waxed section and it looks better overall, then only waxing the entire car will restore maximum gloss. The telltale sign of a good wax is when the color of your car appears so vivid and deep that the paint actually looks wet. Such is the look many car-show aficio-
nados aim for with their own vehicles. While veterans of the carshow circuit know the ins and outs of which wax to use, that might not be the case for most other drivers. Unknowingly, some car owners might be applying a wax that actually dulls a car’s finish. Products that claim to wax, clean and re-
move scratches from paint contain abrasives, which could possibly be removing a little of your car’s paint with each application. New cars, especially, should not be exposed to waxes containing abrasives. An abrasive-free wax, however, is meant to be applied to clean car paint to create a very smooth and shiny appearance while protecting
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against nature’s damaging elements. It’s the ideal choice for new cars fresh off the lot or even cars that have just come out of the car wash. An important ingredient to look for in an abrasivefree wax is Carnauba, an all-natural extract derived directly from the leaves of a unique palm tree. Accustomed to battling harsh weather conditions in the rain forests of Brazil, Carnauba provides the ideal protection for your car’s paint job. All products that contain Carnauba are not necessarily what you’re looking for. Carnauba comes in many different grades, some of which are
vehicle will need an oil change after its first 3,000 miles. However, this does not mean your vehicle will need one every 3,000 miles. Some oil samples taken from engines during their initial 3,000 miles of driving had elevated metal levels from the camshafts and pistons. These elevated levels will not necessarily be harmful, but some auto manufacturers recommend a shorter initial interval just to be safe.
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more durable and provide a longer-lasting finish. Lower grades of Carnauba may not give the shine you expect.
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8 - Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - Say You Saw It In “The Shopping News”
Common Car Noises You May Hear And What They Might Be Indicating Although there are many drivers who understand what goes on under the hood of a vehicle and the inner workings of car mechanics, there are plenty of others who might not know a spark plug from a dipstick. For the latter group, random noises when driving can be a cause for immediate alarm. Certain noises can be innocuous and easily fixed, while others may be indicative of something more complex. Pinpointing where a noise is coming from can help vehicle owners identify the problem. Here’s a list of some common sounds and what the causes might be, courtesy of Firestone, Geico and Nationwide. High-Pitched Squealing Screeching or squealing coming from the tires when stepping on the brakes likely means that brake pads are wearing down and the indicator is rubbing against the
rotor. Although this is not an Rattling in the Wheel emergency situation, it does If you hear rattling inside mean that brakes will need of a wheel at low speeds that to be replaced sooner than stops as you drive faster, it later. could mean there is a loose lug nut inside of the hub cap. VOLKSWAGEN That wheel wasn’t tightened SPECIALIST AUTO SALES properly the last time it was SALES, PARTS 4340 Morgantown Rd. (Rt. 10) & COMPLETE removed and replaced. Bring Mohnton, PA 19540 SERVICING 610-856-7050
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the car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Clicking If you try to start the car and only hear a clicking sound instead of the car turning over, a dead battery is likely the cause. Such a noise also may indicate cor-
roded battery terminals that are preventing the current from flowing. Terminals need to be cleaned. The battery should be checked and jumped, if necessary. If a battery is not holding a charge, a new one is needed. Squeaky or Scraping Windshield Wipers Squeaking and scraping means the windshield wipers are wearing down or the windshield is dirty. Clean the windshield and inspect the wiper blades to make sure they are in working order. A bad wiper and dirty windshield can reduce visibility and make driving dangerous. Clunking Sounds Clunking sounds may indicate a few different issues. A clunking sound might indicate worn out shock absorbers, which absorb vibrations from the wheels. Damaged struts also can cause clunking. Worn out leaf spring shackles that help in offroading conditions also can cause clunking when they bend or break.
Humming, Whining or Whirring These strange noises might have different origins. Check if the differential needs to be lubricated. A wheel bearing also could be worn out and produce a noise. In more severe cases, the transmission could be failing. The best course of action is to get a professional opinion from a mechanic. Flapping Noise A broken belt typically is the culprit when a vehicle makes a flapping or slapping noise. Something also may be interfering with the fan. Driving with a broken belt may cause severe engine damage, so it’s important to address the issue. Squealing Under the Hood Squealing can indicate worn or loose accessory belts. In newer cars it might be the serpentine belt. Belts are relatively inexpensive and easy fixes. These are some of the sounds that vehicles can make when something is awry. Figuring out the issue can prevent further damage.
find a vehicle that best suits their needs. • What are your needs? Are you looking to carpool the kids to and from school or do you want a car for commuting that will not cost you an arm and a leg in fuel? Identifying the main purpose of the vehicle will eliminate certain cars or trucks right off the bat. • What is your budget? It is a good idea to get a pre-approval loan statement from a financial provider to figure out what you can afford to pay for a vehicle. The popu-
home pay. Calculate these numbers and potential interest rates prior to shopping for a vehicle. • What size is best for you? Even though it may seem that SUVs and pickups reign supreme on the road, some drivers prefer smaller vehicles. Figure out how much interior space and cargo room you need. Take the time to sit in different vehicle classes to determine which size fits you best. • What are your fuel preferences? Today’s vehicles come in electric, unleaded
ership? Certain vehicle brands may be more expensive to maintain than others. According to Motor1.com, luxury and premium brands are typically the most expensive to maintain, with European brands like BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz typically carrying high maintenance costs. This can be prohibitive when parts or service is needed. Buying a vehicle requires careful consideration of drivers’ needs, budget and desired features.
9 9 9 9 ation of a host of variables, lar automotive resource Ed- gasoline, diesel, and hybrid How To including personal prefer- munds says the general rule options. How the car or truck ence. What is perfect for one is the monthly new-car pay- is powered may be important Identify A individual may not work for ment should not exceed 15 to you and will help identify When the time percent of your monthly Vehicle That another. comes to shop for a new car, take-home pay. Lease pay- the best vehicle for you. • What is the cost of ownpeople can ask themselves a ments should be less than 10 Fits You few questions in an effort to percent of monthly take-
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