Fall Car Care for 2019

On the

A publication of SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS • Fall 2019

ROAD

FALL AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

• BAD WEATHER DRIVING TIPS • MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE • CAR SEAT SAFETY

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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

FALL 2019

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FALL 2019

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Page 3

How to make driving in inclement weather safer Impaired visibility can be a safety hazard while driving. Everything from sun glare to hail can affect a driver’s ability to see the road and navigate it effectively.

Before drivers get behind the wheel, they should make note of their local forecast and make a plan for what to do if rain, snow or other conditions make it challenging to drive.

The International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences indicates that, based on an examination of crash test data conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the “likelihood of a crash increases during periods of low visibility, despite the tendency for less traffic and for lower speeds to prevail during these times.”

Drivers can take several steps to improve their visibility when driving in

poor weather conditions.

Do an inspection Inspect and change windshield wiper blades. Wipers are instrumental in clearing precipitation away from the windshield.

If they’re not functioning properly, wipers cannot do their jobs.

Drivers should replace their wipers at the first indication that they are no longer effective. In some conditions, wipers can freeze or stick. Drivers should then pull over and clean the wipers manually.

Clear obstructions Always make sure the windshield is clear before driving. This can include removing ice and snow in the winter and cleaning off mud or bug splatter in the spring and summer. Use the front

Car snow survival tips Every year, winter throws out more than a few weather and travel-related situations.

Freezing rain, blinding snow and icy roadways can make even short drives across town hazardous.

A traffic accident, a police matter or snow emergency may hold you up for hours; you have to prepare for the unexpected, especially in the Midwest.

When winter storms happen, firstresponder crews and tow-trucks will be spread thin as they deal with others.

Menards offers these tips to survive winter driving:

Keep basics inside the car Make a kit in a duffle bag or backpack to keep everything in one place and easy to find. Include these items: • Snacks and bottled water – Go for

those that are easy to pack and contain protein and simple carbs for quick energy and nourishment, such as nuts, raisins and mini candy bars. • Stay-warm gear: Stash a few extra hats, gloves, scarves and a blanket or two.

• Emergency supplies – Pack a first-aid kit that includes essential medications, a whistle, a battery-operated or hand-crank radio and a lightweight flashlight (reverse batteries’ placement inside flashlights to keep them from accidentally turning on and burning out when not in use).

Store small essentials in the glove box For shorter and less dire emergencies, you’ll appreciate having a few things

See SURVIVAL TIPS, Page 4

and rear defrost if condensation fogs up windshields and windows.

Slow down Foul weather can reduce drivers’ ability to see far into the distance. Drivers should always drive slower in inclement weather in order to improve reaction time.

Top off fluids Always keep the windshield washer reservoir full and keep extra fluid in the trunk. In addition, look for a fluid that does not freeze in very cold temperatures.

Learn how to drive in fog Each year, more than 38,700 vehicle crashes occur in fog, states the Federal Highway Administration. Travelers

On the 2019

Insurance recommends slowing down, staying focused and using regular headlights and not high beams when driving in fog.

Go out only if necessary In snowy or icy conditions, drive only if it’s absolutely necessary, as snow and ice can impair visibility and make roads slick, says AAA.

Avoid driving at dusk and dawn The human eye can have trouble adjusting to rapidly changing light and darkness conditions, which are common at dusk and dawn. If possible, drivers should make trips during the heart of the day, especially if poor lighting conditions typically make it difficult for them to drive.

(METRO CREATIVE)

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FALL AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 EDITOR: ...................................................................................................... Tracy Ouellette CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ...................................................................................... Heidi Schulz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: .....................................................................Vicki Vanderwerff SECTION DESIGNER: ..............................................................................Jennifer DeGroot FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Call (262) 728-3411

Above: Drivers can take steps to improve visibility when inclement weather makes roadways hard to navigate.

STOCK PHOTO On the Road

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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

FALL 2019

Standard vehicle maintenance intervals you may want to follow No two automobiles are the same. So it makes sense that vehicles have different maintenance guidelines. Such guidelines, which include recommendations regarding how frequently oil should be changed and how often tires should be rotated, are typically included in vehicle owner’s manuals.

Drivers are urged to familiarize themselves with these guidelines, which can protect vehicles as well as the people inside them.

According to CarGurus, a free internet-based automotive resource, many manufacturers adhere to the 30-60-90 schedule. That schedule recommends everything from inspections to part replacements when vehicles reach 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles.

These recommendations are meant to serve as guidelines, and drivers should know that certain factors can affect how often routine maintenance should occur and when parts must be replaced.

For example, harsh driving conditions can lead to excessive wear and tear that causes parts to erode long before owner’s manuals suggest they should. As a result, drivers should always speak with their mechanics during service appointments to determine if their vehicles are aging gracefully or if they need a little extra TLC. Drivers should always read their manuals for recommended service intervals. The following are some general maintenance guidelines, courtesy of CarGurus, that drivers can keep in mind as the miles pile up on their vehicles’ odometers.

STOCK PHOTO On the Road

Recommended maintenance intervals are only intended to serve as guidelines. If drivers notice any changes in vehicle performance, they should consult a mechanic immediately, regardless of how many miles are on their cars or trucks.

OIL AND OIL FILTER Many new cars now run on synthetic oil, which tends to last between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Older vehicles using traditional oil may need to adhere to the once-standard oil change interval of 3,000

miles. Mechanics will typically replace oil filters with the same frequency as they replace oil.

AIR FILTER Air filters generally need to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, CarGurus notes that drivers who park in dusty environments should err on the side of caution and have their air filters replaced every 15,000 miles.

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FUEL FILTER Clogged fuel filters can affect engine performance and even prevent engines from running. Fuel filters may need to be changed at 30,000-mile intervals.

BATTERY A typical car battery tends to last around four or five years.

• Survival tips

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BRAKE ROTORS Brake rotors can be resurfaced or replaced, and this should be done around 60,000 miles. Resurfacing can only be done once and is less expensive than a full replacement.

HOSES Hoses crack over time, but generally do not need to be replaced until they reach the 90,000-mile mark. However, hoses should be inspected routinely, as busted hoses can cause very significant damage.

(METRO CREATIVE)

(Continued from Page 3)

within easy reach, including: • Cellphone chargers – Keep a standard one that plugs into your car’s charging port, but also invest in one with its own stored charge that can give your phone an emergency boost.

• Emergency contact card – As a backup, write a card with phone numbers for kids’ schools, doctors, tow services, relatives and other key numbers you typically store on your cell phone.

• A road map because people rely heavily on a phone or car’s GPS that may not work.

• Extra cash – Go for small bills. Power outages mean cash registers and credit card machines won’t be working, so having small bills lets you buy items without overpaying.

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BRAKE PADS Worn out brake pads will make a screeching sound. Brake pads should last around 50,000 miles, though they should be inspected at regular intervals regardless of mileage.

If you get stuck in the snow, having a few larger items on hand can help.

Consider having:

• Snow-removal tools – A small shovel with a folding or telescoping handle is compact and useful. An extra ice scraper and brush may also come in handy.

Emergency flares.

• Rock salt or sand – A bag of either provides traction in case you your wheels are spinning.

• Windshield fluid – It’s smart to top off your car’s fluid before longer trips, and keep extras.

• Towels – A large beach towel or two lets you dry off after digging in the snow.

Pack for special needs If you frequently travel with kids, elderly or others with special needs, be sure to think ahead to what could be useful. For example, extra baby formula or food, diapers and a few additional kids’ games, books and activities can make a traffic standstill more pleasant for everyone.

FALL 2019

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

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Things you may not know about your child’s safety in cars Parents and caregivers want to keep kids safe in the car, but keeping up with the latest recommendations can be tricky, especially as your child grows and their needs change.

It’s sometimes hard to know if you’re doing everything you can to keep children as safe as possible.

Regardless of your child’s age and how often they ride with you in the car, you’ll want to follow these guidelines to help you find The Right Seat.

Set safe habits for life, help keep your child safe and obey the law by making sure your child is buckled up every time for every ride, no matter how few miles or how slowly you’re driving.

Under 13? Don’t let them sit up front Whatever a child’s height or weight, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises that children under 13 should never sit in the front seat, even for a short trip.

Car safety standards and features like airbags are developed and tested for adult bodies, not the growing body of a child. Air bags can be inflated at speeds of 200 to 400 mph, which could seriously harm a child if deployed. Most car crashes impact the front of the car, so keeping kids in the back seat can help protect them from injury.

Tethers add extra protection Most forward-facing car seats have tethers to secure them to the vehicle, in addition to using the vehicle’s seat belt or lower anchors. Tethers help keep car seats from pitching forward in a crash, reducing injury to the child’s head and neck.

You can find the tether at the top of convertible, combination and all-in-one car seats. They’re adjustable straps that have a hook that connects to your vehicle’s tether anchors. Review your car seat’s instructions and vehicle’s owner manual to identify the correct tether location in your vehicle.

Don’t move kids on too soon The best protection for a child in a car is the car seat that’s right for their age and size. According to the most recent NHTSA data, nearly 1 in 10 children between 1 and 3 years old were moved on to booster seats too early. And roughly 1 in 5 children aged 4 to 7 were prematurely moved to just using a seat belt when they should have still been riding in booster seats.

STOCK PHOTO On the Road

Booster seats help a child’s seat belt fit appropriately, which means crossing the center of their chest and not touching their neck.

TheRightSeat.

Free car seat checks are available

Tools and resources are available to help make it easier to check that your child is in the right seat for their age, height and weight. Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to compare car seats and get helpful installation instructions.

Whether you’ve just installed a new car seat or just want a “checkup” for a seat your child’s been using for a while, you can get help at a car seat inspection station near you.

Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge and show you how to correctly install it and make sure your child is properly secured. Find a car seat inspection station near you at NHTSA.gov/

Check car seat recommendations online

Tweens should always be buckled According to a 2005 report by the NHTSA, most accidents in urban areas happen under 30 mph. Be consistent and

stay firm if your tween or teen resists wearing seat belts.

Car seats have expiration dates

Car seats expire, because technology improves and safety standards change. If you buy a used car seat or receive one as a hand-me-down, check it carefully and make sure you know the history and whether or not it has been involved in a crash. Most car seats have an expiration date stamped on the manufacturer’s label on the side or base.

Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat for more information and to search for a car seat inspection station or event near you.

(BPT)

Study reveals key deadly behaviors for teen drivers Over the past five years, nearly 3,500 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the number of crash fatalities involving a teen driver historically rise.

New crash data from 2013-17 reveals major factors contributing to fatal teen crashes during the summer driving period include: • Speeding (28%); • Drinking and driving (17%); and • Distraction (9%).

“Crash data shows that teens are a vulnerable driver group with a higher probability of being involved in crashes,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “And while teens may make mistakes when first learning to drive, it is important to continue educating them about safety behind the wheel so they avoid the reckless behaviors

that put themselves and others at risk on the road.” AAA Foundation research found that nearly two-thirds of people injured or killed in a crash involving a teen driver are people other than the teen behind the wheel.

Crashes for teen drivers increase significantly during the summer because teens are out of school and driving more, but teens are at risk for crashes all year long. Over the past five years during the 100 Deadliest Days: • An average of almost 700 people died each year in crashes involving teen drivers; • The average number of deaths from crashes involving teen drivers ages 15-18 was 17 percent higher per day compared to other days of the year.

Reckless behavior like drinking and driving, speeding and distraction are contributing to the alarming number of crash deaths involving teen drivers each summer.

Speeding

Speeding significantly increases the severity of a crash and is a growing problem among teen drivers. In the AAA Foundation’s latest Traffic Safety Culture Index, half (49.7 percent) of teen drivers reported speeding on a residential street in the past 30 days and nearly 40 percent say they sped on the freeway.

Drinking and Driving Despite the fact that teens cannot legally consume alcohol, one in six teen drivers involved in fatal crashes during the summer tested positive for alcohol.

Distracted driving More than half of teen drivers (52 percent) in the AAA Foundation’s latest Traffic Safety Culture Index report reading a text message

or email while driving in the past 30 days and nearly 40 percent report sending a text or email.

It is difficult for law enforcement to detect distraction following a crash, which has made distracted driving one of the most underreported traffic safety issues.

Additional AAA Foundation research using in-vehicle dash-cam videos of teen driver crashes found distraction was involved in 58% of teen crashes, approximately four times as many as federal estimates.

“Parents have plenty to be concerned about as their teen hits the road this summer,” said Nick Jarmusz, Midwest director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Teens are making deadly mistakes on the road. Parents are the best line of defense to keep everyone safe behind the wheel.”

For more information, visit AAA.com.

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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

FALL 2019

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Page 8

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

FALL 2019

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