Fall Auto Zone Guide 2017

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2017 FALL

GUIDE

A special supplement to The Daily Republic and ADvisor

Fall Auto Zone

2

Safety measures for winter drivers

On the Inside Safety Measures...........2

Best Selling Vehicles....3

RV Care............................4

Off-Road..........................5

Battery Care...................8

By Caitlynn Peetz The Daily Republic inter weather causes many people to retreat indoors until the spring

W

thaw.

However, for those who embrace the cooler temperatures or find that life must go on despite snow and ice, taking inventory of their vehicles is a must before the first snowflakes start to fall.

And understanding what components of a vehicle can be compromised by dropping temperatures and snowy roads can help drivers take action to safeguard their automotive investments.

Tire care is an especially important area of vehicle maintenance, according to Scott Maeschen, manager of Lawler Automotive in Mitchell.

“Make sure you have good traction,” Maeschen said.

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“Slippery roads can be a pain.”

Regular tires may be ineffective for winter driving, Maeschen said, nothing that summer tires are made from materials that are optimized for warm conditions.

When the mercury drops, these same materials can harden, reducing their ability to grip the road. That lack of traction can be compounded by the presence of snow or ice. Even all-season tires, which are designed to be driven year-round, can be insufficient in severe weather conditions.

Winter tires can help drivers safely navigate winter roadways.

According to tire experts at Michelin, snow tires are designed to remain softer and more flexible to conform to the road better in cold conditions. Some winter tires are even studded to provide better traction.

Even the best winter tires cannot provide perfect traction

SAFETY: Page 3

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OCTOBER 2017

SAFETY From Page 2

on slippery roadways. That is why it is essential — in conjunction with the use of winter tires or snow chains — to modify driving techniques to navigate safely.

“Honestly, general maintenance and slowing down will go a long way,” Maeschen said. “If people want to keep their cars going, you’ll have to do tune-ups, oil changes and stuff like that, like you would any time of year. Make sure you don’t run out of gas — that’s important.”

Other tips to remain safe in winter weather, according to automotive experts include: ► Drive slowly. Slow down on winter roads. Allow a greater distance for stopping than for dry conditions.

Slippery conditions can make it more challenging to stop, and excessive speeds can make the situation worse. ► Shift into low gear. On hills, rely on low gears to maximize traction to travel up and down hills. This can minimize skids or sliding.

► Get the vehicle a tune up.

In addition to tires, be sure the braking system, battery and other major components of the vehicle are in good working order. ► Replace windshield wipers. Reduced visibility can compromise the safety of drivers and their passengers.

Replace windshield wiper blades before winter arrives.

Consider purchasing winterrated windshield blades. ► Know how to recover from a skid. When skids occur on black ice or slush, drivers should take their feet off of the pedals and steer gently in the direction they want to go. As the vehicle regains traction, only then should the brakes or accelerator be applied. ► Winter weather requires making some vehicle modifications, and drivers may want to alter the way they drive to be more safe on the road.

— MetroCreative contributed to this report.

THE WORLD’S BEST-SELLING CARS THUS FAR IN 2017

According to JATO Dynamics — a leader in automotive business intelligence solutions — global vehicle sales in 52 markets totaled 21.24 million units in the first quarter of 2017.

That figure marks a 962,000 unit increase from the first quarter of 2016.

Sport utility vehicles drove that growth, as consumers continued to embrace SUVs for their versatility and reliability.

While this list represents only the first quarter of 2017, the following were the 10 best-selling vehicles over that period.

1. Ford F-Series: The only pickup truck to crack the top 10, the F-Series reigned supreme in the first quarter of 2017, with total sales increasing by 10 percent from the same period in 2016.

2. Toyota Corolla: Fifty-one years after its introduction, the Corolla continues to sell units, even though its total global sales in the first quarter of 2017 marked a slight decrease from the same period a year earlier.

3. Nissan X-Trail/Rogue: First quarter global sales of this popular mid-size crossover increased by 23 percent from the first quarter of 2016.

4. Volkswagen Golf: While sales of the Golf actually dipped in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same time-

frame a year prior, the popular compact car was still just one of four vehicles to break the 200,000 units sold barrier during that time.

5. Honda Civic: First introduced in 1972, the Civic sold more than 178,000 units in the first quarter of 2017.

6. Honda CR-V: A 15 percent increase from the first quarter a year prior made this popular compact SUV one of the 10 best-selling cars in the world in the early part of 2017.

7. Wuling Hong Guang: Produced in China, this multipurpose vehicle sold more than 175,000 units in the first quarter of 2017.

8. Volkswagen Tiguan: No vehicle experienced a larger percentage increase than the Tiguan, which sold 47.9 percent more units during the first quarter of 2017 than it did during the same period in 2016.

9. Toyota RAV4: This popular crossover SUV continued to attract drivers across the globe, with sales increasing 10 percent from the first quarter of 2016.

10. Honda HR-V: This crossover SUV experienced a 3.6 percent increase in sales from the first quarter of 2016.

— MetroCreative

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Fall Auto Zone

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OCTOBER 2017

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

RV: Page 6

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OCTOBER 2017

FALL AUTO ZONE

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR OFF-ROAD DRIVING

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ff-road driving is a fun hobby for many drivers. Such driving requires more than turning the wheel and seeking adventure.

Knowledge of how to traverse unpaved roadways and having the proper equipment can help off-roading enthusiasts avoid pitfalls.

Anyone new to off-roading should know the basics, but even experienced off-roading enthusiasts can benefit from brushing up on their skills.

Equipment

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A vehicle equipped to traverse unpaved roads is a necessity. Although many SUVs and trucks are promoted for outdoor living, many need some modifications to handle the rigor of off-roading. While aftermarket experts can help motorists prepare their vehicles for off-road excursions, drivers should know that the wheelbase and clearance of their vehicles may need to be adjusted. Modifying traction control, choosing the right tires (and possibly lowering the air pressure for more grip) and determining if axle strength is sufficient are additional considerations.

Although many SUVs and trucks are promoted for outdoor living, many need some modifications to handle the rigor of off-roading.

OFF-ROAD: Page 6

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OCTOBER 2017

RV From Page 4

Off-roaders are bound to get stuck from time to time. Recovery gear, such as towing straps, mats to place under stuck tires, hiking survival gear, and flares, can help in emergency situations.

A day off-roading on trails or in rural terrain can be an enjoyable way to spend time, but such driving requires skill and practice.

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.

— MetroCreative

— MetroCreative

Speed

OFF-ROAD From Page 5

Engines might need to be tuned for slower speeds. In addition, vulnerable parts under the hood and under the vehicle may need to be treated for muddy or especially dusty conditions.

Skills Choosing the right off-road route is key, especially for novices. This means avoiding obstacles such as trees or rocks.

The presence of existing tire tracks may help, but drivers should still anticipate muddy ruts or slippery conditions in areas that might already have been traversed.

Climbing hills can be tricky, and crossing deep water, descending hills and crossing ditches is also challenging.

Knowing to cross ditches at an angle, avoid braking when descending hills and skip fast-moving water until you are more experienced comes with time and probably some trial and error.

One thing that can take some time to adjust to when off-road driving is slowing down. Navigating tricky terrain means slowing down considerably. Speed can be the enemy because reaction time is greatly diminished when off-roading. Slowing down means being able to gauge obstacles and focus on surroundings, including wildlife, more readily.

According to Popular Mechanics, much of off-roading takes place in low gear. Use four-wheel drive or, for AWD vehicles, lock the center differential early on for maximum control.

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Prevent breakdowns with battery care should be replaced immediately.

DIM LIGHTS OR CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR: Batteries powers the electric components in a vehicle, so dim lights could be indicative of a loss of power. Having the check engine light come on also can be a clue.

EXTREME TEMPERATURES: According to Firestone, hot or cold temperatures can shorten a battery’s life. If you live in an extreme climate, your battery may not last as long as the manufacturer suggests it should.

SHORT DRIVING TRIPS: People who take many short trips (less than 20 minutes each) may find their batteries do not have enough time to fully recharge, shortening their life expectancy.

PUNGENT AROMA: Leaking and corrosion around the battery terminals can cause battery issues. If there is a rotten egg smell under the hood, it may be a leaking battery on its way to dying.

Drivers can have their vehicle batteries tested by mechanics. Batteries can be replaced at home or at a garage. Servicing the vehicle frequently can prevent performance inefficiencies and help determine if any components are straining the battery and causing premature loss of battery life.

— MetroCreative

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any drivers have experienced the misfortune of getting into their vehicles only to realize their engines won’t turn over. Although there may be plenty of reasons why a car will not start, quite frequently a dead battery is to blame.

Car batteries can last for five years or more when properly cared for, but many batteries wear down and become inefficient within three years of daily use. According to the UK-based company Warranty Wise, car batteries deteriorate with every charge from a vehicle’s engine. Naturally, drivers who are stranded by dead batteries wish they had done more to prevent their battery dying while they’re on the road. Certain factors might offer clues as to how much life vehicle batteries have left.

LONGER START TIME: A dying battery may cause the engine to crank, but it can be slow to start or not seem to exude a lot of power.

CRANKS BUT DOESN’T START: You may turn the key to hear the engine trying to turn over, but it won’t. Even if the vehicle eventually starts, have the battery checked and, if necessary, replaced by a mechanic.

A JUMP START HAS BEEN NECESSARY: Batteries that have required a jump or multiple jumps are on their last legs and

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