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A Driver's Guide to Maintaining a Healthy Car
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Safety First
Auto Services We Don’t Think About
Stay safe this fall with helpful tips and tricks
Remember Alex Brown
Texting and driving is a personal choice, but you’re not the only one it affects. The Browns take their tragedy on the road and educate others.
Store Copy: Please Do Not Remove From Waiting Area Fall 2012
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Lebanon Junction, KY Permit #623
E ditor ’ s
N ote
What Sparks Your Fire? My husband is a very passionate person when it comes to Texas Rangers baseball and United States politics. I’m passionate when it comes to agriculture and puppy dogs. (I’m a serious dog hoarder wanna-be.) Whatever generates your passionate nature, channel it and focus that energy on your automobile every once and a while. Do you stop in to a fast lube shop to regularly maintain your vehicle? Do you educate yourself on important maintenance items and components on your vehicle? You know, if you think about it, your car is a hard-working, selfless machine that needs tender, loving care every so often. Do you take your vehicle’s abilities for granted? Remember how important your vehicle is to you, and channel your compassionate side to take care of that hard-working ride, and in return it will take care of you. Witness first-hand the passion of the Brown Family (page 10) as they educate you on the dangers of texting and driving—it definitely helped me, and I’ve signed the Remember Alex Brown pledge to never text and drive again. (It can be signed on their website: www.rabfoundation.org.) Enjoy our safety issue this quarter, and check out the important safety responsibilities we highlight from taking care of your college kids (page 20), to keeping your pets safe while they ride with you (page 18). Happy driving (and maintaining)!
Kara Bishop editor@vehiclemd.com
Kindle Fire Contest We sparked our readers’ fire when we kicked off our Kindle Fire contest last issue. Congratulations to the three winners of our first contest (but definitely not our last)! Thanks to everyone who submitted their entry!
Warren Allred Alpine, California
Some of Our Favorites...
Brian Fossmeyer Newburgh, Indiana
Doug Williams Draper, Utah
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WHAT’S INSIDE: FALL 2012 6
10
Ask the Doc
The VehicleMD “doctor” addresses Octane and a tricky speedometer and odometer on a Ford Taurus.
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Fantastic Finds
Check out these awesome “prescriptions” for your car.
VehicleMD ®
Staff: Staff:
Steve Hurt, Publisher Tammy Neal, Editor Kara Bishop, Features Editor Eliseo Torres, Sales & Marketing Director Sheila Beam, Advertising Director
10 Remember Alex Brown
The Brown family lost their daughter to texting and driving. They take their tragedy on the road with the hopes of educating others.
Chad Montgomery, Advertising Sales Misty Dolan, Production Director Mai Lee, Circulation Manager
12 The Green Scene
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Learn about environmentally friendly services you can participate in to protect Mother Earth.
14 Tire Safety: It’s Your PARTy
Ask Patty imparts her wisdom with important tire maintenance tips.
16 It Pays to Save
18
Want to find out how you can save money on gas? Check out these tips to keep from living at the pump.
18 Safety First
Ensure the safety of your kids, pets and yourself with these helpful safety reminders.
20 Off to College!
20
Don’t leave your baby automotively unprepared when they head off to start their new lives.
22 Wiper Blades
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Visibility in the car is too important to forget such simple maintenance.
24 It’s Not Just About Your Oil
Some automotive maintenance items that you may not have thought about.
26 What’s With That Logo? 4 VehicleMD
The history behind major automakers’ logos.
Braden Dockery, Staff Writer/ Production Assistant Bethany Hurt, Staff Assistant Stacey Eubanks, Bookkeeper/ Office Assistant
Kristy Shurbet, Circulation Assistant Published four times a year by TKO Multimedia 4418 74th St., Ste. 66, Lubbock, TX 79424-2336. Postage Paid at Shepherdsville, KY. Postmaster: Send address changes to VehicleMD, 4418 74th St., Ste. 66, Lubbock, TX 79424-2336. Editorial information: info@vehiclemd.com © Copyright VehicleMD 2012. Reproduction is allowed only with permission of the editor. Views expressed by columnists and guest writers do not imply VehicleMD endorsement. Every attempt is made to provide accurate and reliable information. VehicleMD will not assume liability for any products or services described or offered herein, nor can VehicleMD verify accuracy of advertising claims made herein. The purpose of VehicleMD is to educate automotive service customers about the maintenance services available to them. Additional copies — Interested parties may purchase additional copies of VehicleMD, including bulk quantities. Email Mai Lee for more information: circulation@vehiclemd.com Advertisers — Advertising rates for print and Internet are available upon request. Please contact Eliseo Torres at etorres@vehiclemd. com for display advertising deadlines and other information. All correspondence and inquiries should be directed to our business offices: 4418 74th St., Ste. 66 Lubbock, TX 79424-2336 Phone: 800.331.3713 or 806.762.4824 Fax: 806.762.4023 Email: info@vehiclemd.com
Fall 2012 Volume 4, No. 3 ISSN 1948-4674
A sk the doc
answer auto experts
your questions
TO THE DOC u What is octane? Why is it important? Does my car really need higher octane? Brenda California u Octane is the standard measure of the performance THE DOC SAYS
of fuel. Vehicles in service today are powered by a four-stroke engine. That means that one of the strokes is the compression stroke, where the engine compresses a cylinder-full of air and gas into a much smaller volume before being ignited with a spark plug. The octane rating of gasoline just tells you how much the fuel can be compressed before it ignites. This is called the compression ratio. The compression ratio of your engine is the deciding factor in the octane rating required for your vehicle. One way to increase the performance of an engine is to increase the compression ratio. When gas ignites by compression rather than because of the spark plug, it causes knocking in the engine. We do not want knocking in our engines. If your car calls for a higher octane rating with a label stating “Use Premium Unleaded,” then, yes, it really does need it. You will usually only find this on vehicles equipped with higher performance engines. If your vehicle calls for a higher octane and you don’t use it, you will experience knocking in the engine. Knocking can damage an engine, so it is not something you want to have happening. Lower octane rating numbers mean that the gasoline can handle the least amount of compression before igniting. If your engine is a higher performance engine, it requires a higher octane rating to produce more power. That is a good thing. The downside is that the higher octane rated gasoline is more expensive.
TO THE DOC u Recently the vehicle stability control (VSC) and check engine lights came on and stayed on my 2002 Lexus RX300. I had recently had new brakes put on, and everything I read in the owners manual indicated it was in the brake system. I took the vehicle back to where I had the brakes done, they did a manual inspection and found no problem: no diagnostic trouble code present in the ABS; there were two codes in the powertrain control module and EVAP system related to VSC; tested yaw rate and steering angle sensors, and both checked OK; and then performed steering angle and 6 VehicleMD
yaw rate sensor calibration. The VSC and check engine light went off. After two weeks, the same thing happened again. They did a re-calibration, and , once again, the lights went off. The technician felt that everything was OK, but maybe the vehicle computer might need to be tweaked. Any thoughts? Ed Via email It sounds like one of the sensors could be interTHE DOC SAYS u mittently failing. A sensor that had even a temporary “hiccup” would cause the VSC and check engine lights to come on and stay on, even if the sensor restarted after a temporary fault. Once the sensor is reset/recalibrated the lights go off until the next time this occurs. Your technician could be correct in that a software update to the vehicle’s computer may solve the problem; just be aware that most dealerships charge for performing a software update on a car’s computer system. Our guess is that one of the sensors is failing, but we’ll definitely defer to the technician’s advice on this one.
TO THE DOC u I have a 1989 Ford Taurus SE and the speedometer and odometer do not move. Any ideas? Bryan Via email Generally, a non-functioning speedometer and odomTHE DOC SAYS u eter indicate the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) isn’t working. In older models, this sensor was connected via a cable to a car’s transmission. The cable rotated a gear inside the sensor, which translated the rotational speed into vehicle speed and transmitted that data to the speedometer and odometer. Newer cars simply use an electronic version of the VSS that bypasses the cable. Either way, we’d bet money that this is the problem. Fortunately, it’s a fairly simple fix. The advice described above is for informational purposes only. It cannot and should not be used in lieu of an actual, physical inspection and diagnosis by a trained mechanic or automotive technician. The opinions and advice offered herein are not intended to diagnose automotive problems or component failures; they are simply intended to provide information on what could be transpiring. VehicleMD accepts no liability resulting from actions taken as a result of this advice.
Have a question for the VehicleMD “doctor”? Email it to: doctor@vehiclemd.com
Do you know where to find the MOST TRUSTED, RELIABLE fast lube centers in your town?
Just look for the logo
Being an AOCA member demonstrates: Ethics: AOCA members abide by a code of ethics. Knowledge: AOCA members gain valuable resources for information, trends and tools that elevate their service above the competition. Training: Expert training is available to AOCA members at all levels.
www.AOCA.org 800.331.0329 The 3,600 AOCA member fast lube and auto service providers in the United States and Canada are who you can trust. AOCA members go the extra mile to make sure they are offering their customers the very best in products, service and technology. “Professional service at YOUR convenience.�
Environmentally Aware: Regulatory compliance, safety training and information and green initiatives guide AOCA members in being stewards of our environment. Trust your vehicles with those that take stock in their industry, AOCA member centers. To find an AOCA member near you, or for more about AOCA, go to www.AOCA.org
F antastic
F inds
Love Your Brand, Love Your Pup
Tailgating TV
If you’re crazy about your vehicle brand, your pup probably is, too. Give him a collar to match. These vehicle-branded collars are made with a seatbelt buckle that conveniently releases with the push of the button. They feature rich graphic artwork on a nylon strap and have a D ring for easy leash attachment. Plus, there are a number of vehicle manufacturers to choose from—with matching leashes available, as well. www.beltsdirect.com
Fall is tailgating time, and if you’re one of those who’d rather watch the big game on television than inside the stadium, this product’s for you! The HitchN-View is a portable TV mount that attaches to your tow hitch receiver on the back of your truck or SUV. Simply insert it in your tow hitch, hook up your cables and you’re watching TV off the back of your vehicle in no time. www.hitchnview.com
Use Every Inch Wish you had more storage space in your pickup truck? Try the wheel well storage. This handy box can store everything from tools to drinks. That’s right—it can also be used as a cooler. Plus, it’s also available with a built-in speaker. The marine-grade speaker can add some extra kick to any party, whether you are at the lake, the stadium or your back yard. www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com
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Show Your Spirit Show the world how much you love your team with this threepiece automotive fan kit. First, you’ll get a chrome-finished plastic auto emblem that can be applied to your car or any hard surface. Also included is a car visor, perfect for CDs, papers or pens. Finally, you’ll receive a 3D air freshener—the amazing technology makes it jump out at you! www.fanaticssportsstore.com
No Light? No Problem Featuring a blue backlight and a white LED flashlight, the Michelin Digital Tire Gauge is ideal for low-light situations. Check your tire pressure anytime, day or night. The gauge features a comfortable rubber grip, and a storage pouch is included. www.bdasites.com/michelin
Clean Up Your iScreen In the Fast Lane An orthopedic hand surgeon developed these driving gloves. The anatomical relief pads even the surface of the hand to naturally promote a lighter, more secure grip. Motion zones over the knuckles and web zones between the fingers provide natural movement, while Coolmax inserts allow improved ventilation to keep your hands comfortable while driving. www.bionicgloves.com
Traveling can be messy—especially if your toddler’s sticky fingers end up on your iPad or iPhone. That’s why you’ll want to keep iKlear Travel Singles in your vehicle. They clean, protect and preserve all your Apple Products at home or while traveling. Simply use step one wet cloth to wipe dirt, dust and fingerprints off your screen, and then polish the screen with the DMT Antimicrobial Microfiber Cloth. www.klearscreen.com
A Perfect Fit The FloorLiner DigitalFit mat is one of the most advanced designs in floor protection. Digital laser measurements offer a consistently perfect fit. The FloorLiner’s advanced surface design has channels that carry fluid and debris away from clothing into a lower reservoir. The liners are available for front or rear seats and offer a perfect fit designed to protect your car. www.weathertech.com
Buckle Up Your Buddy The Roadie Canine Vehicle Restraint by Ruff Rider is designed with maximum safety in mind. The restraint secures your dog to the seat, but enables it to sit, stand or lie down. The securing strap can also be used as a leash—for roadside breaks—but can be stowed out of the way when not in use. This unique restraint bears three patents to ensure your pet is safe. www.ruffrider.com
Don’t Be Left Flat
SPECIAL OFFER!
Take the hazard out of your flat with SuperSpare! This patented twominute sealing and inflating system will have you or your loved one back on the road in minutes. SuperSpare connects to the other three tires and/or the spare and uses the pressure to air up the deflated tire. No extra equipment needed! SuperSpare also wants to help out our VehicleMD readers! Enter the VehicleMD special code, VMD2012 at checkout for a 10 percent discount! www.superspare.co
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T exting and
D riving
Remember
Alex Brown
Texting and Driving Affects Everyone By Kara Bishop ~ VehicleMD Staff Writer
A
lex Brown was late to school. She didn’t answer her phone. Her mother knew something was wrong, but drove past her daughter’s truck while out looking because she didn’t recognize the vehicle. Backtracking, she realized the truck belonged to Alex and found her lying in a nearby field going in and out of consciousness. Paramedics and doctors did all they could, but in the end, Alex’s parents had to say their goodbyes that day. What happened? Alex had been texting and driving, while also not wearing her seatbelt. 10 VehicleMD
She lost control of her vehicle and was ejected through the passenger window. The truck then rolled over her. Alex’s parents tell people that their daughter thought she was invincible. If you find yourself thinking this very thing, you’re not alone: 77 percent of young adults are very or somewhat confident that they can safely text while driving, while 55 percent of young adult drivers claim it’s easy to text while they drive, according to Quinstreet, Inc. Alex was the school mascot in Seagraves, Texas, and was expected to graduate at the
top of her class. However, she chose to text four friends on her way to school that morning and never got the chance to give her valedictorian address. While Johnny Mac and Jeanne Brown were waiting to tell their daughter goodbye for the last time, they made an important decision that would affect the rest of their lives. They decided to put her wrecked truck on a trailer and educate others of the dangers of texting and driving. Alex died on November 10, 2009. The Browns made their first presentation to Wellman High School December 1, 2009. Since then, they’ve been to more than 350 schools all over the United States, explaining the dangers of this perilous trend that has gripped so many within this technological-minded generation. They’ve been on Oprah, The Huckabee Show and were even built a new house on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. However, The Brown Family made it clear why they do what they do. “We don’t get up in front of these teenagers and tell the story of how our daughter died to get our name in the newspaper, get on T.V. or even to get a new house, because it really doesn’t fix anything; it doesn’t bring our daughter back,” Johnny Mac said. “We do what we do, because of the feedback we get from students and mothers thanking us because they’ve decided to change their lives and no longer text and drive. That fixes it for us. It makes it easier to bear, because we’re able to help others because of our tragedy.” The dangers of texting and driving have been an issue for some time now, but more must be done to increase awareness.
The Brown Family has traveled through 22 different states and visited more than 350 schools bringing their message of the dangers of texting and driving that they have witnessed first-hand. They bring Alex’s wrecked truck with them to each presentation as a stark reminder of what can happen when you text and drive. They also established the Remember Alex Brown Foundation where you can sign the pledge to not text and drive.
“Deciding to text while driving is a personal choice,” Jeanne said. “We all must choose whether we are going to keep engaging in this harmful behavior, or if we’re going to pledge to stop and encourage others to stop, as well. It’s going to take education, laws and enforcement of those laws to really make a difference in driving behavior.” In their presentation Jeanne gives the students some advice if they wish to continue texting and driving. “I want these students to realize that if they choose to engage in this harmful behavior, they’re not just hurting themselves,” she said. “I ask them to consider what they would like planned for their funeral, because that was one of the hardest things for my family because we didn’t know what Alex would want. I also want them to consider purchasing life insurance to help cover the funeral costs, because they aren’t cheap. Another thing I suggest they do is figure out what they want on their headstone. We don’t have a headstone for Alex, yet, because we’re still trying to find one that she would love and that’s hard to do when she’s not there to help pick it out. When you choose to text and drive, you are essentially putting your life at risk, and you aren’t just hurting yourself. You’re hurting all of those that you leave behind—I want everyone to realize the stark reality of what happens to families when their loved ones are killed because of cell phone usage in the car.” According to Ray LaHood, secretary of the United States Department of Transportation, it took 20 years for 86 percent of the population today to start wearing their seatbelts. “It simply cannot take that long for cell phone usage in the car to stop, or millions of people will die,” Johnny Mac said. He may be right. According to
Distraction.gov, driving while using a cell from Twitter out loud to you while you’re on phone reduces the amount of brain activity the road. You can then determine whether associated with driving by 37 percent—that’s a they are important enough to respond to big percentage. immediately, in which case you can pull over There are some options to help drivers to the side of the road and respond. If you eliminate texting while driving. The Browns choose not to respond at that moment, a discussed three phone applications that aid in customizable automated response will be sent helping drivers avoid texting while in the car. to those who texted you. PhoneGuard I never met Alex Brown, but I will always This app automatically turns on once the remember her, because watching Jeanne vehicle is going faster than 10 miles per hour. Brown struggle through the story of how Once the car reaches 10 on the speedometer, the keypad on the cell phone is blocked, so that the driver cannot read a text, send a text or surf the web. Once the car slows down below 10 miles per hour the app turns back off. It will also send an automated response to whomever texted you explaining that you’re driving—the message is customizable. Text Toggle You must turn this app on once you get in your Text Toggle DriveSafe.ly PhoneGuard • Does not alert you car. Once turned on, the • Reads messages aloud • Blocks keypad when you get a text app makes sure you don’t get phone calls, text messages, emails, etc. Once you turn the app her daughter died was the hardest thing I’ve off, all of your texts or phone calls you may ever had to do as a journalist. However, it’s have received while driving show up on your changed my life. I went to their foundation’s phone. This app also features a customizable website (www.rabfoundation.org), and I automated response that will be sent to those signed the pledge to not text and drive. Will who have texted you while you were driving. you? DriveSafe.ly This app, once turned on, will read your text messages, emails, Facebook chat or tweets
Want to Avoid Texting and Driving?
There’s An App For That!
www.vehiclemd.com 11
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F riendly S ervices
The Green Scene The Oil Change Industry Protects Mother Earth and You Can, Too
Protecting our planet is garnering more attention every day. Did you know there are simple services your auto service provider can perform that not only protect your car but protect Mother Earth as well?
Biodegradable Oil Change There’s a new oil change in town—a green one. When you ask for an oil change with biodegradable oil, you’re helping out our planet. Biodegradable motor oil, or green oil, is made from building blocks that can be recycled again and again, which cuts down on the amount of natural resources required to produce a gallon of oil. Biodegradable oil provides high-quality care for your engine and our planet. Because green oil biodegrades, it helps protect our planet’s water supply. Did you know that one gallon of petroleum-based motor can contaminate 1 million gallons of drinking water? “If you pour green, conventional and synthetic oils on the ground simultaneously and compare them over time, you will see the green oil biodegrade while the other oils remain on the ground. That’s one of the benefits of using green oil—it prevents pollution,” said Jeff Loch, president and CMO of Green Earth Technologies, makers of G-Oil. “Green oil is categorized as ultimate biodegradable, the highest level of biodegradability, in which a product will degrade 60 percent or more in 28 days.”
Saving Nine Filters From the Landfill When you ask for a high-performance reusable air filter, you’re going green. Most high-performance air filters are washable and reusable. Many standard air filters call for replacement every 15,000 miles, but a highperformance filter should last as long as 150,000 miles, with simple maintenance. That means one high-performance air filter could keep nine others out of our nation’s landfills. In addition, high-performance air filters offer benefits such as increased horsepower, increased torque, increased acceleration response and increased towing power. They also aid in prolonged engine life, improved fuel economy and a lower overall cost when compared to paper air filters that need to be replaced. 12 VehicleMD
By Tammy Neal VehicleMD Staff Writer
Pure Performance When your vehicle’s tires are inflated with “regular” air, they’re injected with molecules that could be damaging. For instance, oxygen—which is found in the air we breathe everyday—is a highly corrosive element (hence the word oxidation). Inflating tires with pure nitrogen (as opposed to compressed air, which is 22 percent oxygen, carbon dioxide and other trace gases) tends to keep tires inflated better and longer, as nitrogen molecules, which are larger than oxygen molecules, don’t slip through the rubber in tires as easily. In fact, according to experts, oxygen molecules escape about three to four times faster than nitrogen. Nitrogen tire inflation helps keep your tires at a more stable pressure for longer. In doing so, you’ll save on fuel—and our consumption of fossil fuels.
How the Auto Service Industry Helps When you take your car to an auto service provider, like a fast lube, rest assured it’s in good hands. You should also be happy to know these same hands are taking care of our planet. Auto service facilities recycle items such as cardboard, plastic bottles, paper, oil and air filters, and—perhaps most importantly—motor oil. In a typical year, one oil change facility will recycle 13,500 gallons of motor oil. In comparison an average swimming pool holds 18,000 gallons of water. If the thousands of gallons of motor oil recycled at a single service facility were to find itself poured on the ground and, in turn, into our underground water system, 13.5 billion gallons of our drinking water would be contaminated! Next time you pull up to your favorite auto service facility, take a minute to think about these simple—and helpful—services you can choose to help ensure our planet is pristine for future generations.
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Tire Safety: It’s Your PARTy by Kaeli Gardner | VehicleMD Contributing Writer
W
hat am I talking about? I’m talking about the tire safety checklist. PART is the acronym for tire safety and care, and it stands for the four major pieces of tire safety: Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. When is the last time you checked your tire pressure? Do you know the correct pressure for your tires? If not, do you know where you can find that information? How about alignment? How often do you rotate your tires? I don’t mean to drill you here, but if you don’t know the answers, you ought to give the rest of this article a once-over and get educated. Proper care for your tires makes a big difference: you’ll use less gas, be less likely to have an accident or blowout, and of course, spend less on tires down the road! That’s a win-win-win situation. Ready? Let’s PARTy.
Pressure—Under-inflation results in tire stress, causes them to wear unevenly, and can result in an out-of-control accident. Nobody wants that. Plus, did you know a tire can lose up to half of its inflation pressure and not appear to be flat? So even if your tires look good—check them to make sure. If you don’t have a tire gauge, get one, learn how to use it, and check your tire pressure at least once a month. It’s a simple tool that can make a huge difference in many ways. Alignment—Ever been driving down the interstate, and you notice
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that your car wants to “pull” to one side? Sometimes you may have to actually hold the steering wheel a little to the left or right to keep driving straight ahead. This can be caused by your front tires being misaligned. If they’re not both facing exactly the same direction, driving your car can be like pushing the “bad” shopping cart at the supermarket. A jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and sometimes even damage your tires. Misaligned tires have a tendency to only wear on one side—this will cause those tires to wear down much more quickly than normal. Have your auto service provider check the alignment periodically, because sometimes the difference is too small to notice until it’s too late. Rotation—Regularly rotating your vehicle’s tires will help your tires wear evenly. Tires on the front will wear faster than the back, because they’re used for steering. Rotating them will help make sure you don’t end up with two good tires and two dead ones. Unless your vehicle’s owners manual has a specific recommendation, the guideline for tire rotation is approximately every 5,000 miles, or every two oil changes. Tread—When it comes to tires, tread is a precious resource, and essentially all of the other tire safety steps deal with preserving this all-important attribute. Your tire’s tread is what enables it to grip the road in adverse conditions, and without it, any light rainstorm can prove disastrous. Anytime you check your tire pressure, you should be checking the tread depth as well—that’s how deep the grooves are. It’s measured in 1/32-inches. New tires typically have a tread depth of 10/32 -11/32, and anything below 2/32 is getting into the danger zone. An easy way to measure this yourself is with a penny. Stick a penny into a groove in your tire tread, with Abe Lincoln’s head pointing down. If the top of the tread touches the top of Abe’s head, you’re good! If he has any space above his head, then you’re getting a little low. Check the tread in several places, not just one, and if you notice one tire wearing faster than the others, that could be a sign of trouble. So there you have it—your tire safety PARTy. Keep to these tasks, and your tires will serve you well. After all, they are the only part of your car that touches the road! KAELI GARDNER lives in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Tennessee where she works as a writer, artist and web marketing manager for Ask Patty, helping to empower women nationwide to take control of their own vehicle repair. Read more of her wisdom and wit at the AskPatty.com blog.
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Because now that she’s out on her own, she’ll have to take care of her own car. VehicleMD: The Driver’s Guide to Maintaining a Healthy Car 800.331.3713 | www.vehiclemd.com
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S aving T ips
It Pays to Save! Make Those Trips to the Pump a Little More Few and Far Between with These Tips by Braden Dockery VehicleMD Staff Writer
As
g as prices continue to reach unprecedented heights, we as consumers are always trying to find ways to save on gas. Even though filling up can be a pain, there are things you can do to save money and increase your fuel economy. • Drive less—I know this is easier said than done, but carpooling is a sure way to save on gas. If you and a few friends are all going to the same place, why not share a ride? If your destination is within a reasonable distance, then walking may be another solution. If you know you have a bunch of things to do, consolidate your errands rather than making numerous trips. • Check your tire pressure—Time and temperature are the main causes for loss of air in your tire, which in turn affects your miles per gallon. So keeping up with your tire pressure will save you some money on gas in the long run.
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• No jackrabbits—Jackrabbit acceleration is a your windows up because you will increase killer. Gradually accelerate so your transmisthe aerodynamic drag of the vehicle and thus sion can shift into gear. Also, avoid as many lowinger fuel economy. stop-and-go trips as possible. Mark Negast, • Don’t be idle-—If you know you’re going to technical director at Lucas Oil Inc., said conbe sitting idle for more than 30 seconds, shut stant driving patterns are key to fuel economy. off the engine. Although it does use fuel to “Drive as many freeways as possible,” Negast start it up again, it uses more fuel when your said. “Stop-and-go driving will affect your engine sits idle for too long. fuel economy much more than freeways. Also, punching your gas pedal from stop light to stop light will affect it.” If you are traveling on a highway, using Leaving your tailgate down cruise control as much as posdoes NOT save gas. sible will ultimately save you gas as well. • Keep a clean air filter— Leaving the tailgate down Whenever your air filter becomes clogged or dirty while driving creates turbulence, it limits airflow into which in turn, causes more the engine resulting in wind drag and thus lowers poorer performance and fuel economy. your fuel economy. • Clean your car— Cluttered vehicles are an easy way to slow your roll, as they say. I am one of • Fuel system cleaning—This great service the worst offenders of the dirty will eliminate carbon buildup and fuel depostruck-syndrome, and I know its from your line. In the long run this service first-hand how easy it is to collect will help with your fuel economy. an additional 50 pounds of junk “Whenever you clean your fuel system, over time. The more weight in your you’ll get better performance and acceleravehicle the more fuel it has to burn in tion,” Negast said. order to transport it. So periodically go • Gas caps—Make sure that your gas cap is through your car and take out what you working properly. Broken, missing or loose gas don’t need or what can go in the house. It caps can cause gallons of gasoline to vaporize. helps. • Tailgating—For you truck drivers out there, keep your tailgate up at all times when you drive. Leaving the tailgate down while driving creates turbulence, which in turn, causes more wind drag and thus lowers your fuel economy. However, when you drive with your tailgate up, you will have a nice, smooth air bubble in the bed and passing air will go over it, which results in better fuel economy. Many people believe that leaving the tailgate down will somehow make a pickup truck more aerodynamic; however, according to ProPickupMag.com, leaving the tailgate down can increase drag by as much as 0.5 to 1 percent. • Window awareness—This can be a hassle Pennies add up. By doing the little things, depending on the climate of where you live, like keeping a clean air filter, keeping your but if the sun’s out and it’s a pleasant day tires properly inflated and keeping excess junk drive with your windows down and save a out of your car, can help substantially improve little. However, if you are traveling on the your fuel economy, and ease the pain next highway at fast speeds you should roll time you visit the fuel pump.
MYTH:
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afety
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By Braden Dockery VehicleMD Staff Writer
Play It Safe!
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Safety Tips That Keep You, Your Children and Your Pets Happy While Traveling
all is often considered a time of extensive traveling, some of us make plans to go hunting, to football games or to relatives’ houses for Halloween or Thanksgiving. Traveling with children and pets can bring much joy to the experience; however, it can also be a bit of a hassle. Perhaps you’re not quite sure which car seat they need, maybe you’re not quite sure how to handle your hyperactive dog or maybe you have a cat instead—and we all know cats generally do not travel well in cars. No worries; there are plenty of things you can do to ensure everyone’s safety, comfort and your own peace of mind.
Child Safety Your children are your No. 1 priority and ensuring their safety is of the utmost importance. The best way to accomplish this is to educate yourself on child passenger safety. First, never leave your child alone in the car. This may seem like a no-brainer, however, just last year 33 children died from being left alone in the car. The No. 1 cause for fatalities amongst children being left in the car is hyperthermia. Nobody ever means to do it, so it is extra important to always remember to bring your child inside with you, even if you’re just running into the gas station for a minute.
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The next important thing to remember is car seat safety. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (regulations may vary from state to state so make sure you research safety standards for your particular state), the best way to keep up with your child’s car seats is through a four-phased system: • Phase 1: Rear-Facing Seats. This phase regards infants, which is from birth to 35 pounds. You should never turn the car seat forward until your child has reached one year of age and 35 pounds. • Phase 2: Forward-Facing Seats. After your child has reached their first birthday and weighs at least 35 pounds then you can turn that seat around. • Phase 3: Booster Seats. Once your child has reached the age of four and weighs at least 40 pounds, they can then ride in booster seats, however, you must use the adult safety belt on the lap and chest along with the booster seat. • Phase 4: Adult Safety Belts. A child can finally use the adult safety belts once they’ve reached the height of 4’9”. If keeping your child calm and occupied is an ongoing dilemma, then you might want to consider packing some of their favorite toys or snacks. Because if the kids aren’t happy, you aren’t happy, plus you’re distracted, thus
increasing the risk of an accident.
Four-Legged Friends. We can’t neglect the safety of those four-legged friends that we absolutely refuse to leave behind. Anyone who has ever driven with a dog knows that it’s not always as simple as just loading up. Perhaps your dog gets too excited and makes a mess. Or perhaps it sheds too much or chews on the seats. Maybe it won’t stop jumping from seat to seat or doesn’t like traveling at all. Or what if you have a cat? There are endless variables that pets bring to the table when it comes to travelling. Fortunately there are many options and solutions available to make traveling with your faithful, furry companions much more pleasant and safe. Let’s start with cats, which typically don’t do well with the free-roam option in a car. In this situation you are probably best suited to securely stow them away in a pet crate. The crate is also a good option for dogs that are uneasy about traveling. A kennel or a carrier can substitute a crate—they’re all pretty similar in function. These devices provide your pet with a sense of security—and experts agree that it is the safest and surest way to travel with a pet. However, perhaps you’d rather give your
Items to Bring Along in Case of an Emergency: dog free roam of the vehicle but don’t want Fido jumping from seat to seat. Simply install a pet car barrier. Pet car barriers come in all sizes, shapes and materials. They’re available for purchase—or you can make one yourself. Simply gather a net-like or mesh material and attach it to the back of your seats to prevent your dog from jumping forward. Make sure it is securely installed so your Labrador doesn’t simply burst through it. You can also purchase barriers made from wire, which are more durable than a fabric barrier. Maybe you aren’t so worried about your dog jumping around, but rather the mess they make when they have an accident. You’ve tried laying blankets and towels down but they just
don’t seem to work? No problem, fortunately they make pet-friendly seat covers to protect the interior of your vehicle. Make sure you buy a washable one that can be reused if your pet does have an accident. Pet car seat covers come in a variety of shapes to fit your particular vehicle’s need. Also, make sure to bring one of your pet’s favorite toys or treats as to give them a sense of security and familiarity while in the car. It is also highly encouraged to keep a leash on hand at all times. You can fasten the leash to a seatbelt in order to restrain your pet. According to the American Automobile Associa-
tion (AAA), a 10-pound dog in a traffic accident at 50 miles per hour can exert close to 500 pounds of force. Large breeds present an even greater danger, if unrestrained— a 90-pound dog can exert 2,700 pounds of force in a crash where the vehicle is only going 30 miles per hour. According to ASPCA, you should also keep water from your home with you. Drinking water from other areas may upset your pet’s stomach. Also, never let them stick their heads out the window, you never
• Phone. In case you break down and need assistance; a phone is the surest way to get you to a shop. • Snacks. Again, just in case you find yourself stranded for a substantial amount of time, it is a good idea to have some snacks available to keep yourself and others from getting hungry. If space is an issue make sure what snacks you do have are high in protein. High-protein snacks will hold you over longer. • Blankets. You could become stranded for a while, and if the temperature drops low enough you’ll need more than just a closed vehicle, especially if you don’t have any power. • Five-in-One Emergency Tool. Depending on which manufacturer you buy from, the name may vary but the functions are similar. The fivein-one emergency tool usually comes complete with a spring-loaded glass breaker—in case you’re stuck inside the vehicle. It also has a seatbelt cutter, a distress flasher, an LED flashlight and a piercing sonic alarm to signal for help. Most models are able to fit on your keychain.
know what could fly at them or what is in the air.
Adult Safety Children and pets are not the only ones whose safety you should be worried about. With more and more motorists on the road each year, traffic and congestion on the freeways mixed with the ever-growing distractions that seem to present themselves daily, driving has become more and more dangerous. However, there are some neat, fun and safe devices that can aide you on the road.
• Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth uses short-wavelength radio transmissions to exchange data. In other words, you are able to connect to multiple devices including your mobile phone, thus, keeping your hands free and available for the steering wheel. • Automotive Call Centers: Automotive Call Centers like OnStar are another example of hands-free technology that can assist you on the road. Call centers generally offer handsfree communication, navigational systems and in-car security. • Satellite Radio: Tired of listening to the same local stations that seem to play the same old songs? Free your mind from the distractions associated with fumbling through CD’s and MP3, by subscribing to satellite radio. You can choose from a wide array of genres. Plus, it’s commercial free! Travelling with your family and pets is an excellent way to create some of your most cherished memories so why let anything prevent that? With a little preparation you can ensure that everyone, including Fido and baby Lucy will have a safe and enjoyable trip.
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B P repared
e
Off to College Get Your Baby Off to School Safely With These Helpful Automotive Tips By Braden Dockery, Staff Writer
S
o you have just been accepted by your dream school and are already daydreaming about the endless possibilities that await you. You may be thinking about which organizations to join, which classes to take, football games and parties; which is fine, but you should also be preparing yourself for life on your own. The transition can be fairly shocking, but also enlightening. Growing up in a state like Texas where my hometown was six hours away from the location of my school, I had to learn a few things about self-dependence, and one of the most crucial lessons was basic automotive responsibility. So before you slap on your new school’s decal and hang your tassel on the rear-view mirror, here are some tips to not only ensure the proficiency of your vehicle, but your own safety as well.
Keep Jumper Cables in Your Vehicle You never know when or if your battery may die, so having jumper cables around in case such an incident arrives is helpful. It may not even be your battery that dies, lesser-prepared friends may find themselves stranded and in need of help, and you can easily win someone’s favor with basic know-how. In order to jump-start your car, you need to first familiarize yourself with the positive and negative terminals of both car batteries. Next, you need to clean off any corrosion that may have built up around said terminals. When attaching the cables begin by connecting the positive cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery and then connect the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the good battery. Do the same with the negatives. Remember: positive to positive, negative to negative, always starting with the dead battery first. After you have done this fire up the car with the good battery, revving up the engine until you are able to start your own vehicle. It’s as simple as counting to three.
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Always Have Your Insurance Card Accidents happen every day and an easy way to find yourself in more trouble than necessary is to have one and not be able to provide an insurance card. It is crucial to stay up-to-date with your insurance and keeping a copy in your glove box. After all, one ticket is better than two.
Road Maps One should always keep a copy of their state’s map in their glove box. Although, many vehicles and phones are now equipped with GPS, technology tends to fail every now and again, particularly in rural areas. Without a signal you cannot follow the moving blue dot on your screen, thus the importance of a road map.
Get Your Oil Changed...Regularly The general rule of thumb is to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. The reasoning behind this is because after a while oil will oxidize due to temperature and friction. Worn out oil can potentially cause severe engine troubles if not checked and replaced. Would you rather pay for a $30 oil change or a several thousand-dollar engine?
Tire Care A tire pressure gauge is another important item you should keep on deck. Whether you’re driving your friends around, going to a sporting event or a club meeting, or just driving home for the holidays, your tires can eventually lose pressure, which can lead to altered handling and even blowouts. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, 260,000 accidents causing 79 deaths and 10,600 injuries per year are the result of low tire pressure. It is also important to get your tires rotated periodically (5,000 to 7,500 miles.) It would also be wise to keep a spare in case you get a blowout or a hole in a tire.
College is often referred to as “the best four or five years” of one’s life, but it is also a time of transition and learning—not just formal learning, but life lessons as well. During this time of independence you will learn many lessons like how to cook, how to dress yourself, how to manage time, how to survive off $10 a week, but most importantly, self-reliance. Taking care of your vehicle that you saved up for, or your parents bought, is one of those life-lessons that you can use forever. So slap on your school’s decal, put on your Realtree seat covers, load up and get ready for the time of your life.
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W
iper
B lades
Wiper Blades Don’t Have to be
WORRISOME!
H
ere in West Texas, as in many parts of the country, we have extreme weather such as high winds, scorching heat and dust blowing in from every direction, occasionally limiting visibility quite a bit. On top of that, on the rare occasion that it rains out here, the rain will fall from the sky into the blowing dust— and there you have it—muddy rain. This may not seem like very desirable weather to most, but out here we like to believe it builds character. Whatever your stance on mud-rain may be, I think we can all agree on the importance of visibility whilst driving. Whether you’re from “up north,” “down south,” “back east” or “out west,” extreme weather affects us all, especially while we’re driving. It’s been reported that 80 percent of all accidents are due to poor visibility. This is why it’s important to keep up with your wiper blades. Wiper blades were invented in 1903 by J.H. Apjohn; however, they were not like today’s wiper blades, they moved from the top of the windshield to the bottom. Mary Anderson invented the modern model around that same time. Although several modifications have been made since then, the purpose remains the same: keeping water, dirt and snow off your windshield. Ensuring that your wiper blades are up-to-date and operating properly is the most effective way to accomplish this. Most professionals recommend changing your blades every six to 12 months; however, you may need to change them more frequently if your vehicle is exposed to harsher than normal conditions. “Hot or cold, dry or wet, any climate will cause wear on your wiper 22 VehicleMD
by Braden Dockery VehicleMD Staff Writer
blades,” said Paula Lombard, president of Wexco Industries/ AutoTex PINK. “Freezing temperatures cause the rubber in your wiper blades to become brittle and harden, which could cause them to crack. Hot weather conditions also can warp rubber and prevent the blade from wiping your windshield clean.”
Common issues: n Streaking
with wiper blades will happen when the rubber element dries or hardens. It can also occur due to the little hitchhikers you pick up along the road: bugs, sap and tar—you know, those kinds of things. n Skipping is another common problem among motorists. This can occur from a curvature that is formed from lack of use. “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” So it is generally a good idea to turn on your wiper blades from time to time. n On the other hand, over-use of your wiper blades can wear down the rubber. The edges should be squared; if they are rounded, it’s time to change your blades. n Splitting—this is for all of you in the sunny states—occurs when ultraviolet rays from the sun break down the rubber causing it to fragment and eventually break apart. n Bent frames can be a real bummer, too. You’ll know you are a victim of the bent frame when the rubber is not in constant contact with the glass, causing it to streak and smear.
Prevention: Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these issues from happening:
n Clean
your windshield regularly. A good way to remember this is to clean it every time you fill up on gas. n Remove any dirt, grime, dust particles or bugs that may collect on your windshield.
your driving decisions are based on a clear and unobstructed view of the road, so it is critical that you have the most optimal view possible.” A driver’s visibility is just as vital to their safety as seatbelts. So make sure you keep up-to-date with your wiper blades and those of your family members.
Cleaning your windshield can prolong the life of your wiper blades. A good way to remember this is to clean it every time you fill up for gas (there are usually cleaning stations by the pump). n If
you live in a cold region, don’t use your blades to scrape off ice—they invented ice scrapers for that. I’ve been guilty of it myself, but that ice will literally crack and rip the rubber, or even bend the frame if it’s thick enough. Although there are preventative measures you can take to prolong the use of your wiper blades, sometimes it’s just the end of the road, and you’ll need to have them replaced. “When considering maintenance options for your vehicle, it is likely that windshield wiper blades are not high on everyone’s priority list,” Lombard said. “However, have you stopped to consider just how dangerous worn wiper blades could be? Ninety percent of
A portion of the proceeds of each purchase of AutoTex PINK windshield wiper blades goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation & the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.
For A Location Nearest You: www.AutoTexPink.com
800.692.3962 www.vehiclemd.com 23
M
aintenance
There’s More to
Automotive Maintenance
than Changing Your Oil— There Are Other Fluids, Too by Kara Bishop | NOLN Staff Writer
A
ccording to a poll of 2,000 adults commissioned by Avery Office and Consumer Products, here is the top 10 things we forget daily: • Return phone calls • Reply to emails • People’s names • Send birthday cards • Charge phone • Passwords • Take meat out of the freezer • Water plants • Pick up things from the printer • Take the trash out We are busy people with hectic schedules and numerous demands—multitasking has become something of a talent that many people work to master these days. Unfortunately, these 10 items aren’t the only things overlooked. When was the last time you got your oil changed? Our cars get us through our crazy days, by escorting us to all of our many events and errands. The fast lube industry has made it much easier for drivers to change their oil, since they can be in and out in less than 15 minutes at most shops. However, there’s more to automotive maintenance than just changing your oil. When these items go thousands of miles without being serviced, your overworked ride can break down at the worst possible time—if you think you’re busy now, wait until you have to pencil in a mechanic, get a loaner car, etc. When I first began to drive, I knew that it was important to get my oil changed, but 24 VehicleMD
I never considered the possibility that there were other maintenance items required to keep my vehicle running in tip-top shape. Now that I’ve been driving for quite some time and just purchased a new vehicle, I worry about more than just oil changes—and you should, too, because there are other fluids in your vehicle that need to be checked and replaced regularly.
Keep Your Cool According to a recent study by the National Radiator Service Association, the No. 1 cause of all roadside failures is coolant related. What is coolant? It’s a mixture of water and alcohol, often referred to as antifreeze, that circulates through your engine, absorbing the harmful heat and transferring it to your car’s radiator. The heat is literally “radiated” out of the car. What causes the harmful heat? Your car’s engine has multiple cylinders undergoing many thousands of combustion cycles—basically controlled explosions—every minute your car is driving or idling. There’s a furnace in your car and without the coolant and radiator, your car’s engine wouldn’t be able to handle the heat it generates. Therefore, your cooling system is pretty important. You definitely don’t want your vehicle to overheat due to a neglected radiator and coolant service, leaving you stranded on the side of a busy interstate. Why must coolant be replaced? Well, when you mix liquid and metal, the result is generally corrosion. To prevent this from happening, special additives are formulated
and added to the coolant mixture. Over time, these additives break down, which can cause serious damage to your engine. Most experts recommend you have your vehicle’s cooling system flushed every two years or 30,000 miles. This flushing process involves forcing a new coolant/antifreeze mixture through the entire cooling system, forcing or “flushing” old fluid out and leaving your car’s coolant/ antifreeze in like-new condition. It is also wise to note that even “extendedlife” coolant may break down far sooner than the service interval recommended in your owners manual, which is why experts recommend that drivers ask their automotive service technician to check the color, clarity, freeze point and chemical protection of their coolant at every maintenance interval. It doesn’t take long to check and may save you a lot of time in the long run.
The ABCs of ATF We hardly notice our vehicle shifting gears while we’re driving anymore (that is if your vehicle has an automatic transmission), but it still works hard to shift smoothly for you— and no matter how quiet and comfortable it feels, if service is neglected, the shifting won’t be as smooth. ATF, or automatic transmission fluid, is similar to motor oil: it lubricates, cleans and holds contaminates in suspension until they can be filtered out when the ATF is replaced. It’s also designed to flow at extreme temperatures, meaning your car will start moving regardless of whether it’s 120° F or minus-15° F outside.
However, there are also big differences. For starters, ATF needs to be able to handle heat—extreme heat. While certain parts of your car’s engine may hit temperatures as high as 400° F to 600° F—there’s no wonder why these areas are called “hot spots”—the hot spots inside today’s automatic transmissions can reach temperatures as high as 800° F. At that temperature the fluid can actually turn into vapor, and if the fluid isn’t robust it can, over time, coat the inside of the transmission with a layer of varnish or sludge. This will change the frictional characteristics of the transmission—you’ll be able to notice some shifting translating into quite the bumpy ride! Or, worse-case scenario, the transmission may even begin to slip, generating even more heat until the entire transmission eventually fails—a very expensive proposition that I have personally experienced. (You can bet I take my transmission flush service seriously!) To avoid this unfortunate circumstance, the engineers who create automatic transmission fluid provide extra protection against heat. Since ATF is also used as a hydraulic fluid to force the gears and clutches inside your transmission to move, it’s very important that the fluid stays at a consistent viscosity throughout a wide temperature range. In other words, you don’t want it to get thick when it’s cold or thin when it’s hot. It’s important to use the ATF recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle, as well, because some automakers want a very “slippery” ATF, while others want one that’s more “grabby.” The one that is recommended in your owners manual is the one designed to work best with your vehicle. Consult your
?
DID YOU KNOW... The average motorist who drives 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year will also use his/her brakes 75,000 times a year?
automotive service technician to determine the proper ATF for your vehicle. ATF has a hard job, so it’s important to change it at the recommended interval. Like most automotive fluids nowadays, the specially formulated additives will eventually break down, causing serious stress to your vehicle. Check your owners manual and consult with your automotive service technician for the most appropriate ATF replacement intervals for your car.
Give Us a Brake The necessity of brake fluid flushes has been a hot debate for some time now. Some don’t think it’s necessary, and some think it’s vital. Let’s take a look at the facts, and determine the importance of this service. Did you know the average motorist who drives 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year will also use his/her brakes 75,000 times a year? Nearly half of drivers surveyed in a recent Car Care Council survey said brake failure was their No. 1 fear amongst driving emergencies. And it should be. About half of all cars and light trucks that are 10 or more years old in the United States have never had their brake fluid changed, according to AA1Car.com, a website dedicated to automotive education for cars and trucks. Yet in European countries, regular brake fluid checks are a federal mandate, and half of all cars tested routinely fail. This makes a good case for replacing brake fluid, since after three years of driving, the average boiling point of brake fluid has dropped to a potentially dangerous level because of moisture contamination, and may not meet minimum federal requirements. Many experts have long recommended changing the brake fluid every year or two for preventative maintenance. Their rationale is based on the fact that glycol-based brake fluid starts to absorb moisture from the moment it is put in the system. According to AAIcar.com, the brake fluid in the average vehicle may contain as much as 2 percent water after only a year of driving. After 18 months, the level of contamination can be as high as 3 percent, and after several years of driving, it is not unusual to find brake fluid that contains as much as 7 percent to 8 percent water—that’s not a good thing. The more water in the brake fluid, the less heat the fluid can handle, and as is common in many components of today’s vehicles,
brake fluid needs to be able to handle high temperatures. The water can also cause vapor pockets to form if the fluid gets too hot. Vapor displaces fluid and is compressible, so when the brakes are applied, the pedal may go all the way to the floor without actually applying the brakes! (Have you seen the YouTube video of a man standing on his brake pedal and his car is still flying down the road at 80 mph?) Consult your automotive service technician and your owners manual to determine the proper intervals to replace your brake fluid, and request that it be checked at regular maintenance intervals. If your brakes fail, you may not have to deal with a loaner car—you may be in the hospital, so keep your brake fluid in mind!
All Straight Roads Curve At Some Point We take our steering abilities in our cars for granted at times. It may be easy for you to turn into the grocery store, but it is a little more complicated for your car. Power steering fluid is similar in many ways to ATF (in fact, some automakers use ATF as the power steering fluid in their vehicles). Power steering fluid is a petroleum-based hydraulic fluid that the power steering pump in your car pressurizes and then uses to help you steer the vehicle. In case you don’t realize the importance of this feature, try driving an older car that didn’t come with power steering! Though it is not subjected to the same stresses as ATF, the additive package in power steering fluid may eventually begin to wear out, necessitating its replacement. Automakers do not typically recommend replacing power steering fluid at certain intervals, but if you notice your power steering system “whining” or your vehicle becoming more difficult to steer, replacing your power steering fluid may cure this nuisance. To ensure that your vehicle is in good working order and operating properly, consult with your service technician to determine if your power steering fluid needs to be flushed/ replaced. Your car has a hard job to do, now that it seems everyone has to be everywhere at the same time. Make your ride’s hard job easier by performing regular maintenance that involves more than just changing the oil.
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B
ack
?
P age
What’s the deal with the
LOGO
Behind every logo, there is a story. Read on to see where your favorite car manufacturer’s logo came from.
AUDI
Chevrolet
Mercedes-Benz
• The Four Rings: Symbolizes the 1932 merger of the four companies: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. • The Audi name: Latin for “Hear!” • Playful Pun: “Audi” is a sort of pun on “hoerch,” which is German for “to listen”, the name of one of the founders. Headquarters: Ingolstadt, Germany.
• The Legend: The Chevy logo was inspired by a wallpaper in a French hotel where William C. Durant was staying. • Differing Opinion: However, his wife says that the bow tie emblem was first seen by her husband in a Virginia newspaper on a vacation around 1912. Headquarters: Detroit, Michigan
• The Logo: The star in three corners represents the Mercedes-Benz dominance on land, sea and air. • Unity: In 1926 the crown of laurel was added to mark the union with Benz. Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany.
BMW
Dodge
• The Bavarian Motor Works logo: a derivation of the Bavarian flag and representative of BMW’s heritage—it built engines for German military planes during World War II. • Propeller: One half of the propeller was painted blue and the other half was painted white. Headquarters: Munich, Germany
• The Ram was chosen for the image it portrays: sure-footed and king of the trail. Headquarters: Auburn Hills, Michigan
Founded: 1910
Founded: 1916
Buick
Founded: 1903
• The Logo: Represents the three Buick models in production at the time, the LeSabre, Invicta, and Electra. Headquarters: Detroit, Michigan
Cadillac
Founded: 1900
Ford
• The Cadillac Logo: based on the family crest of the man for whom the company was named, Antoine de La Mothe, Sieyr de Cadillac. Headquarters: Detroit, Michigan
Founded: 1903
• Good Friend: Harold Willis made lots of money by printing business cards, and when Henry Ford was looking for a logo to mark his car in 1903, Wills was on the job. • The Logo: The oval appeared in 1912 and the blue background added in 1927 in conjuction with the launch of the Model A. Headquarters: Dearborn, Michigan
• The Mazda logo: Developed by Rei Yoshimara, a world-renowned corporate image-maker, the “V” represents outstretched wings, and in Mazda’s words, “The creativity, the sense of mission, the gentleness and flexibility that are Mazda.” Headquarters: Hiroshima, Japan
Phone No.
Website
AMSOIL, INC.................................................................... 5.................................800.777.8491.......................................www.amsoil.com AOCA (Automotive Oil Change Assoc.)............... 7.................................800.331.0329.............................................www.aoca.org Castrol.............................................................................. 28................................888.227.8765................................ www.castrol.com/us Green Earth Technologies........................................ 13................................877.438.4761...........................................www.getg.com ITW Professional Automotive Products.............. 27................................800.378.7891......................................www.qmiitw.com Lucas Oil Products, Inc................................................ 2.................................800.342.2512.....................................www.lucasoil.com VehicleMD...................................................................... 15................................800.331.3713...............................www.vehiclemd.com AutoTex PINK by WEXCO Industries..................... 23................................800.692.3962........................... www.autotexpink.com 26 VehicleMD
Subaru
• Meaning: “Subaru” is a Japanese word meaning “unite.” • The Merger: In 1953, five Japanese companies merged to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. The new corporation adopted the “Subaru” cluster of stars as its official logo for its line of automobiles. Headquarters: Gunma, Japan
Toyota
Founded: 1937
• The Logo: The Toyota logo contains three ellipses which represent the heart of the customer, the heart of the product and the heart of technological progress and limitless opportunities of the future. Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Volkswagen
Founded: 1938
Founded: 1920
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Page No.
Founded: 1871
Founded: 1953
Mazda
Founded: 1902
Company Name
Founded: 1911
• Simplicity: The Volkswagen logo story is simplistic. The logo contains the letters V and W: “Volks” means people and “Wagen” means car. Headquarters: Wolfsburg, Germany
Volvo
Founded: 1927
• The Name: Volvo means “I go” in Latin • The Logo: The circle with the arrow is a conventional sign for iron; the best known richness of Sweden. Headquarters: Gothenburg, Sweden
CHOOSE FROM OUR FAMILY OF MOTOR OILS TO HELP PROTECT YOURS. A full line of technologically advanced products tailored for your family’s transportation needs. For more information, call 1.800.CASTROL or visit castrol.com/us