Spring Car Care 2020

On the

SPRING/SUMMER

A publication of SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS • Spring/Summer 2020

ROAD

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

• MAINTENANCE TIPS • TEEN DRIVERS • ROAD TRIP FUN

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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Spring/Summer 2020

CHARGE UP YOUR CAR BATTERY KNOWLEDGE Vehicles consist of many essential components to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Car and truck owners should have an understanding of how their vehicles function so they can diagnose and address problems as they arise. Car batteries are an important component of any vehicle. Even though engines are the powerhouse of any car or truck, without a battery, the engine wouldn’t be able to work. According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, car batteries work by providing a jolt of electricity necessary to power all the electrical components of the vehicle.

The battery also works in conjunction with the alternator to power the electronics in the car, according to the automotive information blog Autosessive. While the car is running, the alternator reverses the current produced by the battery, recharging it as a result. This happens during long journeys, so people who drive for short bursts of time may find that their batteries will not have a chance to recharge and may not have the longevity desired.

There is quite literally a lot riding on a functioning battery.

No one wants to be caught stranded by a dead battery, so drivers may wonder if there are any indicators that may signal the battery needs replacement.

Slow turnover

If a vehicle does not immediately start or if the cranking is sluggish and takes longer to start, it may mean the battery is starting to fail.

Frequent, short trips

Drivers who make frequent, short trips may find their car batteries do not have time to fully recharge. This, coupled with overtaxing thanks to a lot of accessory use, may cause the battery and the alternator to have shortened life spans.

Understanding how car batteries work can help drivers keep their cars running smoothly.

STOCK PHOTO On the Road

Low battery fluid levels

If the fluid level is below the energy conductor inside, it is often indicative of overcharging and excessive heat.

Corrosion

Corrosion buildup, dust, dirt, and grime on battery connections may cause performance problems. Inspecting and cleaning the terminals can prolong the battery life.

Odors and leaks

Battery leaks can produce a sulfur odor similar to the

smell of a rotten egg. This can become problematic over time, and leaks may indicate an aging or damaged battery.

Age

Most batteries have a finite life span. A well-maintained battery can last up to five years. Neglect can reduce that life expectancy considerably.

Bloated or cracked battery case

Replace the battery immediately if the case is cracking, as it could be because excessive heat is swelling the battery.

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How to keep your car on the road longer

Did you know that one in four Americans keep their cars for an average of seven years or more? Nearly another third (29%) say they typically own their car for three to four years. With Americans keeping their vehicles on the road for the better part of a decade, it’s important to implement consistent maintenance habits to ensure a smooth ride.

Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index survey examined how long drivers keep their cars. The following are tips for drivers looking to keep their cars cruising well into the 2020s:

Keep it on the calendar Whether consistency comes based on a mileage amount or a specific date on the calendar, setting and keeping regular tuneup appointments is a simple way to keep

your car healthy.

Regular maintenance inspections can be a great time to evaluate other parts of your car, not just what’s beneath the hood. For example, most drivers (78%) also use their maintenance routine as a chance to check their tires. And, be sure to examine your windshield wipers and headlights to see if they need to be replaced.

Adjust for the seasons Hankook also found that over two-thirds of Americans (69%) say all-season tires are interchangeable with winter tires. In some cases, that might be true, but if you live in a climate with drastic weather swings as the seasons change, that can be like saying your favorite T-shirt is suitable for a frigid winter storm.

Winterizing your vehicle when the

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temperatures drop can help it last not only through the colder months, but also avoid potentially bigger problems down the road.

Consider swapping the all-seasons for a set of winter wheels.

Repair and replace (when needed) Sometimes, a routine oil change will shed light on a maintenance issue that requires more attention. In that event, consider your repair vs. replace decisions carefully – is the option you’re choosing a temporary bandage, or will it help lengthen

See ON THE ROAD, Page 4 Americans are keeping their cars longer, which means keeping up to date on vehicle maintenance and being proactive with repairs.

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How to inspect and maintain vehicle belts Responsible vehicle ownership involves taking inventory of the automobile and ensuring it is working at peak capacity. Hundreds of parts work together to keep vehicles on the road, but quite often drivers do not look under the hood until something is amiss.

Routine maintenance is widely acknowledged as a critical component of responsible vehicle ownership, but many motorists may not know how to care for their cars. Belts are one example of components that are integral to efficient, well-running vehicles.

The automotive resource iDriveSafely. com indicates that belts are some of the most crucial moving parts in the engine.

Belts transmit power between shafts, and all belts, from serpentine belts to V-belts to timing belts, all serve important functions.

Serpentine belt Firestone Complete Auto Care says a serpentine belt is a long, snaking, winding belt that keeps parts such as the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning running smoothly.

Serpentine belts transport power to automotive accessories. A failing serpentine belt can cause enormous and expensive headaches, including overheating and loss of steering power.

V-belts Also known as drive belts, these are usually found in older vehicles. Unlike serpentine belts, which run through various parts, V-belts run through one or two accessories.

Older cars with many bells and whistles will have multiple V-belts, and should one break, it may not cause as much of an issue as if a serpentine belt were to falter.

Timing belt Advance Auto Parts says that most cars have interference engines in which the clearance between moving parts is so small that they can end up bumping into each other if they’re not running on the same timing as one another. That is where the timing belt comes into play. It connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, helping them stay in sync.

Failing to pay attention to a timing belt can result in an expensive engine repair.

Belts have finite service lives, and heat and wear and tear are usually their nemeses.

It is important to look for fraying or cracking of belts. Even belts that look new may have worn out grooves that lose their grips on matching pulley grooves. Mechanics often use special gauges to check belts.

Belts also may need to be replaced due to oil or grease contamination that can damage the rubber or synthetic rubber.

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It is important to check the owner’s manual and seek advice from a qualified mechanic about when belts should be serviced.

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• On the road

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the life of your vehicle in the long run?

For many, this depends on what needs replacing, and whether that part is considered “essential.” For example, only 30% of drivers will replace their tire pressure monitoring system sensors if they were to break. However, these sensors can offer vital information about the pressure in your tires, which has a lasting impact on your driving experience.

Clean it up Keeping your car clean is about more than appearances – it can also help keep it running smoothly for much longer

because dirt and grime can cause corrosion to the paint and even more, especially if it gets into the mechanics of the car. For those driving over salted winter roads, regular car washes become an even more significant step to extending your vehicle’s lifespan, as winter road salt can be particularly corrosive.

No matter if your vehicle is brand new, or you’re looking to hold on to an old-timer a little longer, these tips from Hankook tire can keep you steering straight into the next year, decade and perhaps even beyond.

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With support from parents, lawmakers, law enforcement, and teens themselves, teen driving accidents and injuries can be reduced.

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Facts about teen drivers every parent should know Few moments in lives of teenagers are as exciting as the moment they earn their driver’s licenses, which serves as an unofficial invitation to increased independence.

As exciting as driving can be for teens, it’s often a source of concern for their parents. Young drivers do not have much experience behind the wheel.

When coupled with teenagers’ propensity for engaging in risky behaviors, that inexperience can be a cause for anxiety for their parents. And parents aren’t overreacting, as these statistics indicate how precarious a combination teens and driving can be.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. In 2017, 2,364 teens between the ages of 16 and 19 were killed in motor vehicle accidents, and about 300,000 were treated at an emergency room for injuries suffered in crashes.

Desjardins Insurance advises that young Canadians represent only 13 percent of the licensed driving population in Canada but account for about 20 percent of

motor vehicle deaths and injuries.

• Sixteen-year-old drivers in the United States have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age, notes the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

• The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that 229 teens were killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2017.

• The majority of traumatic injuries to Canadian teens between the ages of 15 and 19 are suffered in car crashes.

• Geico Insurance’s “Teen Driving Statistics” says one in five 16-year-old drivers is involved in an auto accident within their first year of driving.

Inadequate instruction may contribute to the alarming accident statistics involving teen drivers. According to Carcontrol.com, the average 16-year-old soccer player gets 1,500 hours of coached practice. Conversely, only 50 hours of driving experience is required in Ohio for a driver’s license.

The following strategies can help keep teen drivers and the roads they traverse safe: • Enforce seat belt use, as teens and young adults tend

to have the lowest seat belt use rates, offers the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• Encourage teens to slow down while driving.

Insufficient distance between vehicles and driving over the speed limit increases the risk of being involved in an accident.

• Even though alcohol consumption is illegal for people under the age of 21 in the United States, many teens have admitted to drinking or riding with others under the influence. Drinking alcohol slows reaction time and may loosen inhibitions, which is dangerous for any driver, and may be especially so for inexperienced teen drivers.

Initiate a parent-teen pact to always ask for a ride and avoid drunk driving.

• Rally for stricter graduated driver licensing requirements. Many states have a GDL program with certain restrictions, but perhaps even more stringent restrictions can keep teens safer, longer.

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Buying a new car?

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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Spring/Summer 2020

Purchasing a new car can be an exciting endeavor. Cars and trucks are among the most expensive items a person will buy over the course of his or her lifetime, and no one wants to spend more than necessary. Getting a good deal on a car or truck may come down to researching rebates and incentives.

The online automotive resource Edmunds. com says incentives and rebates are used by automakers to spur sales of particularly slowselling models. Incentives and rebates also are used to entice previous customers to stay loyal to a brand. Potential buyers who are aware of incentives and rebates are being offered can use that knowledge to negotiate lower prices on desired vehicles.

Here is a close look at some of the incentives that may be available.

Dealer incentives Dealer incentives are factory-to-dealer offers that reduce the true cost to buy a vehicle from the factory, according to Cars.com. Dealers are under no obligation to pass on these cost-cutting measures to customers, but many do just to move stock.

Cash-back rebate This well-known incentive is based on manufacturers offering cash rebates directly to customers when they make a purchase before a given date. Cash-back rebates are generally offered on models that may not be selling as well as manufacturers had hoped.

Some rebates are rolled over from month to month until desired quotas have been met. Think of a rebate as a coupon of sorts applied to the cost

Tips to navigate automobile incentives and rebates

of the vehicle.

Low APR financing With this incentive, dealerships offer low interest rates on vehicles financed through their preferred lenders. Rates may range from 0 to 5 percent. Keep in mind that buyers’ credit scores need to be fairly high to qualify, and the low APR may only be on certain models.

Lease specials Customers who lease may find manufacturers often offer special lease programs through captive financing companies. These are subsidized leases based on a residual value that’s much higher than the actual worth of the vehicle at term’s end.

Dealers are playing with the numbers to bring down the monthly payment and thereby make their vehicles seem more appealing. RealCarTips says that sometimes dealerships will apply cashback rebates or financing incentives towards a lease instead of a financed vehicle.

Bonus cash incentive This type of incentive generally targets a specific demographic, such as recent college graduates or military personnel. These incentives are not widely advertised, so it may be necessary to inquire about what is being offered.

Government rebates Some savings are realized not through the manufacturer or dealer, but from government rebate programs. For example, tax credits may be available to buyers who purchase cars that run on alternative fuels or hybrids.

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Drivers who have never leased a vehicle may not even know that lessees have the

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Spring/Summer 2020

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Stay comfortable and alert on road trips Few car enthusiasts can resist the siren song of the open road. When the open road beckons, answering its call can open the door to adventure and unending possibilities.

Road trips tend to dwindle when winter arrives, and for good reason.

Wet, wintry conditions can make roads more dangerous and compromise motorists’ visibility.

Many drivers wisely avoid the roads as much as possible in winter, and statistics on crash deaths reflect that caution.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, July, a month when many people take to the road on summer vacations, had the most crash deaths of any month in 2017, while February, a month when drivers traditionally stay home, had the fewest.

Such statistics underscore the importance of staying comfortable and alert behind the wheel. As motorists prepare to hit the road again this spring, they should keep these tips in mind to ensure their road trips are as safe as they are adventurous.

Get ample rest

Drivers should build frequent stops and nightly rest into their road trips. Doing so can help to combat the drowsiness that develops when spending long hours behind the wheel staring at the road ahead.

Drivers should pay attention to how they’re feeling and pull over if their eyes begin to feel heavy or their minds begin to wander. Each of these are signs of fatigue that could prove deadly to drivers, their passengers and fellow motorists.

Share driving duties Sharing driving duties is a great way to reduce driving-related eye strain. The Vision Council notes that driving requires the eyes to stay in constant motion as they focus and refocus on approaching objects. Eyes also are in constant contention with distractions like oncoming headlights or the glare of the sun. These factors combine to strain the eyes.

As drivers spend more and more time behind the wheel, their eyes become tired and their vision becomes less reliable. Sharing driving duties can ensure a fresh set of eyes is behind the wheel at all times.

Maintain proper posture Proper posture can make drivers less susceptible to the aches and pains that can develop during long car trips.

In addition, the auto insurance provider Geico notes that studies have shown that proper posture, which involves sitting an appropriate distance from the steering wheel, makes drivers less likely to suffer severe injuries to the head, neck and chest in front- and rear-end collisions.

Road trips make for great getaways. By taking steps to remain comfortable and alert behind the wheel, drivers can make road trips that much more enjoyable.

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Saving money Page 8

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Spring/Summer 2020

Auto insurance is a must-have for drivers. While it might seem hard to believe, as of 2019 there are still some places in the United States where auto insurance is not mandatory.

Auto insurance is mandatory in Canada, though each province has its own requirements in terms of the minimum amount of coverage allowable by law.

Many people, even those in places where auto insurance is not mandatory, recognize the importance of being insured before they get behind the wheel.

However, that doesn’t mean those same drivers would not like to cut the cost of their auto insurance policies. A 2019 analysis from the online financial resource NerdWallet found that the average cost of car insurance in the United States is $1,621 per year.

Average insurance costs vary significantly in Canada, where data from the General Insurance Statistical Agency found that, in 2019, the average annual insurance premium in British Columbia exceeded $1,800, while drivers in Quebec paid slightly more than $700 annually.

No matter where drivers live, chances are they would love to lower their auto insurance costs. While there’s no onesize-fits-all solution to cut auto insurance premiums, drivers can try various strategies to save money on their policies.

Raise your policy’s deductibles

Higher deductibles may sound scary to drivers, but raising the deductibles is a great way to lower the cost of auto insurance.

The auto insurance provider Progressive notes that deductibles typically range from $100 to $2,000. A driver whose policy has a $100 deductible will pay considerably more on his policy per month than a driver with a higher deductible.

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Drivers can reduce the cost of their auto insurance policies in various ways, potentially saving themselves hundreds of dollars each year as a result.

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In fact, the Insurance Information Institute notes that drivers who increase their deductibles from $200 to $1,000 can save 40 percent or more on their coverage costs. Drivers who choose this option should always be sure they have enough money in the bank to cover the cost of their deductibles.

insurance policies by buying two or more types of insurance from the same provider.

For example, homeowners may save money by buying homeowners insurance from their auto insurance providers or vice versa.

Bundle your policies

The III notes that many companies offer discounts to policyholders, even if those discounts are not necessarily promoted.

Some drivers save money on their auto

Research potential discounts

Drivers can contact their insurance companies, or shop around with other providers, to ask about various discounts that can save them money on their policies.

Anti-theft devices, defensive driving courses, low annual mileage, and a strong credit record are just a handful of the many potential discounts drivers may be eligible for.

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(Continued from page 6)

the agreement. That means lessees can buy the vehicle for less than its market value. They can then flip the vehicle and reap a profit or simply keep driving the vehicle.

• The excess mileage penalties are steep: Drivers also may be better off buying if they significantly exceeded

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How to lower the cost of auto insurance

their mileage restrictions. Lease agreements typically include per-mile penalty fees for every mile drivers go past the mileage limits indicated in their agreements. These fees can quickly add up, but drivers won’t have to pay them if they choose to buy their vehicles at the end of their leases rather than returning

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• The condition of the vehicle: Drivers who took care of their leased vehicles and even those who did not may benefit from keeping their cars when their leases reach maturity.

Keeping a leased vehicle that’s been well-maintained can save drivers money

over the cost of buying new vehicles, as the buyout value on their lease is likely a lot less expensive than the cost of a new car or truck. But keeping vehicles that have endured considerable wear and tear also may be wise, as leasing companies may charge hefty wear-and-tear penalties.

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Scary sounds

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Page 9

What noisy brakes may be telling you

The only noises many drivers ever want to hear coming from their vehicles are the sounds of their favorite songs blasting from their car stereos. But cars sometimes make noises that aren’t nearly as inviting as music.

Noises that seem to pop up when applying the brakes can be especially scary for motorists. No one wants to drive a vehicle with faltering or suspect brakes, so learning to distinguish between the two most common brake noises can be a wise move for drivers.

Grinding brakes

The automotive retailer Pep Boys notes that grinding noises indicate a serious problem with the braking system.

According to CarsDirect.com, there are two major causes behind the grinding noise made by brakes.

If the grinding sound is audible when pressing on the brake pedal, this likely because the rotor disc is coming into contact with part of the caliper. This typically occurs because the brake pads or rotors are extremely worn down, causing the steel backing of the worn out pad to grind against the rotor. In such instances, Pep Boys recommends replacing the brake pads immediately.

If the grinding noise is audible while the vehicle is in motion, debris might be stuck inside the brakes.

Drivers might be able to dislodge this debris by repeatedly moving their cars forward and backward in a safe place, such as a driveway. If that does not work, have the brakes serviced by a qualified mechanic.

Squealing

Many drivers are familiar with the high-pitched squealing sound that comes from their vehicles or those of fellow motorists. That squeal, while certainly not music to the ears, might be a good thing.

That’s because Pep Boys notes that some brake pads are equipped with small steel clips that serve as wear indicators. When brake pads have worn down, these devices produce a squealing sound to let drivers know it’s time to get new brake pads.

But squealing can be indicative of other things as well.

Squealing noises are sometimes heard immediately after brake pads or rotors have been replaced. In such instances, the noise typically subsides within a day or two once the pads have been broken in.

Glazed pads also can create a squealing sound. When calipers stick, the brakes stay partially applied, producing excessive friction or heat. The heat causes the brake pads to glaze.

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Low transmission fluid levels can contribute to various symptoms. Keeping an eye on fluid levels and recognizing low fluid symptoms can keep cars running smoothly.

Signs transmission fluid is low STOCK PHOTO On the Road

Vehicles require all sorts of maintenance to operate safely and efficiently. Contrary to popular belief, motorists need not be amateur mechanics to keep their vehicles running strong.

Major vehicle repairs are best left to the professionals, but drivers can learn to identify the causes of relatively minor issues that, if left untreated, can cause significant damage.

For example, vehicles may exhibit certain signs that indicate their transmission fluid needs replenishing.

In many of the following instances, drivers may only need to top off the transmission fluid in their vehicles.

However, if issues persist, schedule an appointment with a mechanic.

Overheated transmission

Smoke billowing from a car is a sight no driver wants to see. But as bad as it may look, smoke coming from a car may only indicate the transmission is overheating due to lack of fluid.

Smoke also can be indicative of a host of other problems, so if transmission fluid levels are not low, consult a mechanic. Loss of power and a burning smell also may indicate low transmission fluid levels.

No one wants to hear noises coming from their brakes.

However, such noises are often a car’s way of telling drivers that brakes need to be serviced.

STOCK PHOTO On the Road

Erratic shifting

Drivers can notice how their vehicles shift whether the cars or trucks have automatic or manual

transmissions. Transmission fluid may be low if shifts appear to be delayed or faster than normal or if the vehicle appears to be slamming into a new gear.

The automotive service provider Aamco notes that shifting issues related to transmission fluid may indicate the presence of a leak. If the issue disappears after refilling transmission fluid but then reappears shortly thereafter, consult a mechanic.

Pausing when engaging gears

A two- to three-second pause when shifting into drive and reverse is another indicator that transmission fluid levels are low.

The automotive experts at Firestone note that manual transmissions require fluid to keep gears lubricated, while automatic transmissions rely on fluid to create the hydraulic pressure necessary to power movement within the transmission. When fluid levels are low, shifting from park to drive or reverse can take longer than it should.

Slipping transmission

Vehicles that are not staying in gear also may be in need of transmission fluid. However, a slipping transmission also may indicate significant damage to the transmission has already occurred, so this issue should be brought to the attention of a mechanic.

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KOREY’S AUTO KARE

416 S 7th St. Delavan, WI 53115

(262) 728-2886 www.koreysautokare.com

Bob’s

GARAGE

(262) 763-4665

Dealer

Adam & Dan Szpak

235 S. 7th Street, Delavan, WI

262-728-5788

Your one Stop Shop

370308

Warren’s auto Body Inc Serving the Area Since 1960 Complete Collision Repair

548 Dutton Street Burlington, WI 53105 Phone (262) 763-2116

370325

Open Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Saturday by appointment

FREE ESTIMATES

(262) 363-8555 • 1006 Main Street, Mukwonago 370313

Complete Auto Car Center/Fuel Injection Service

524 W. Madison St. Darien, WI

262-882-8514

Complete Auto Repair & Maintenance

Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. M–F, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sat.

11307 Fox River Rd., Wilmot, WI 53192 www.wilmotautoservice.com • Dwayne and Cindy Garwood

Brakes, Tires, Exhaust, Tune Ups, Oil Changes, A/C Cars & Light Trucks

Fast, Reliable Service

WILMOT AUTO SERVICE

370334

We are located with the BP gas station on the corner of Hwy C & W Certified State Emission Testing Center

(262) 862-6300 357816

Heavy & Light Duty 24x7 Service

Larry’s

TOWING

1217 Grant Street, Lake Geneva, WI

469 S. Pine Street, Burlington, WI 53105

“Wreckmaster Certified”

www.HookMeUpLarry.com

262-249-TOW-U

(8698)

1.262.767.9393 Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sat. 8:00 a.m.-Noon wiscoautomotive.com

370341

COMPLETE AUTO BODY REPAIR

SCHULTZ’S PIT STOP

370337

370339

QUALITY • INTEGRITY • SERVICE

Preferred by Major Insurance Companies

348 S. PINE ST. BURLINGTON, WI 53105

370332

AUTO SERVICE

warrensautobodyinc.com

DAN-TONE

740 Main St., Union Grove (262) 878-1359

357791

HUNTER’S

Page 11

Auto Repair & Service

Service

Authorized

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

R PALMEN OGER

19212 Spring St., Union Grove, WI 53182

(262) 878-2463 www.rogerpalmen.com

370321

369938

...the whole season long!

Page 12

AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Spring/Summer 2020 TM

and

EQUIPMENT

RECEIVE 15% OFF Wright Stander I, Stander X, Stander ZK

Celebrating 55 Yrs.

March 1 - April 30, 2020

RedMax Has New

P

GREAT SALroEduScts GOING ON Throug

Services

h May 31, 2020

• Suspension • Exhaust • Tune Ups • Tires • Brakes • Oil Changes • Heating & Cooling Systems

RedMax Bonus Backpack Blower Instant Rebate • Purchase any RedMax Zero Turn mower and receive a FREE backpack blower • Bonus EBZ5150 $339.95 value with purchase of RZT Series zero turn mower • Bonus EBZ6500 $469.95 value with purchase of RZTx Series zero turn mower • Bonus EBZ7500 $499.95 value with purchase of CZT Series zero turn mower • Bonus EBZ8550 $579.95 value with purchase of CZTL or CZTx Series zero turn

April 1-May 31, 2020

• Blower provided to customer at time of purchase

LARRY’S TOWING & RECOVERY

224 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, Wis.

369909

1217 Grant Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 262-249-8698 • www.hookmeuplarry.com

(262) 723-2971

www.Wedigeauto.com Monday-Friday 7:30a.m.-5 p.m.

369912

BURTNESS Call Us For All Your

1389 West Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190

SPRING & SUMMER CAR & TRUCK NEEDS

1421 West Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190

GM Store 262-473-6060 Chrysler Store 262-473-8080 www.driveburtness.com

369913