Car Care Spring
2015
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF
SPRING CAR CARE The News Guard
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Tire Care
eglecting to take care of your tires is akin to doing the same to your feet and legs. After too much inattention, you simply won’t be able to move.
And while replacing your tires every 40,000 to 50,000 miles is recommended, it isn’t the only responsibility you have as a car owner to protect yourself, your passengers and those who are sharing the road.
TIRE DEPTH ISSUES
Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway. It can cause the tire to hydroplane, which is what occurs when the tire rides up on a film of water and loses contact with the road. Check your tire tread depth with a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tread. If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, the tire needs to be immediately removed and replaced. For budgeting purposes, don’t wait until spring to do your penny test. Spotting a potential issue in the fall could help you prepare your finances accordingly for when you need new tires in the spring.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
It is important for drivers to check their car’s tire pressure monthly to prevent uneven tire wear and failure. A new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that cars with tires underinflated by more than 25 percent are three times more likely to be involved in a crash related to tire problems than a car with proper inflation. Additionally, tires underinflated up to 25 percent run the risk of overheating, which can lead to rapid failure. Many newer models are equipped with tire pressure sensors, which will alert you to any potential loss of air. Even drivers of these automobiles should still manually check their tire pressure, as another NHTSA study found that only 57 percent of vehicles with tire-pressure monitoring systems had tires that were properly inflated. For other tires, you can simply and effectively check your tires’ air pressure with a gauge. Know how many pounds per square inch (PSI) are recommended for each tire. (This information is usually labeled on the wall of the tire.)
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Lincoln City Spring Car Care 2015 Publisher
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Executive Editor
Jeremy Ruark
Media Consultant Briana Whitten Office Manager
Erin Walter
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Washing Away Winter
he birds are radiantly chirping as the winter retreats. If your car could chirp, it may have something to say about the condition it’s in. Winter has finally slowed for many parts of the country, leaving in its wake a hoard of dirty vehicles. And although happy at the sight of melting snow and sunny skies, drivers may be less than pleased to deal with the salt and dirt buildup on their cars from a long battle with winter.
THE AFTER-EFFECTS
Road salt is used to create a lower freezing temperature on road surfaces, which leads to less ice on roadways. It is an effective tool in keeping motorists safe in otherwise austere conditions. And while this salt can save countless lives during snowstorms, it also could shorten the life of your car. Salt is corrosive and can eat away at the paint of your vehicle. This can lead to rusting problems on the frame and damage the undercarriage. The appearance of white, chalky salt lining the bottom of your car is also visually unappealing and is best removed sooner rather than later.
CAR WASH
It is imperative to thoroughly wash the undercarriage of your car. This is because salt sucks up the moisture in the humid air of the summer, which could lead to even more problems when the heat comes calling. Even in chilly springtime conditions, it is good practice to head to your local car wash for regular spray downs. This will help cut down on some of the buildup while keeping your car looking great. Just be careful not to wash your car in freezing conditions, which could lead to frozen doors or dangerous ice buildup while you’re driving. In many parts of the country, just because it’s technically springtime doesn’t mean the cold weather, ice and snow are done for the year. As in wintery conditions, it is important to avoid driving immediately after salt is spread on roads.
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SPRING CAR CARE The News Guard
‘Summer-ize’ Your Car
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he summer heat can be downright damaging to your car’s engine and peripheral systems. What you do about it now — before the temperatures rise — can make or break your chances of avoiding costly repairs. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has some advice for drivers this spring who are looking to prepare their vehicles for the summer heat. Remember that every automobile is different, but there are some basics to follow for ultimate protection. • Read the owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules. • Obviously, any issue with your cooling system should be checked ahead of the heat. It could need a simple adjustment or perhaps an entire replacement. Either way, you’ll want to have it checked now to be safe. • Have a certified technician check any issues related to rough idling or stalling. The last thing you want to happen is to be stuck in the middle of the summer heat with a car that won’t start. • Flush and refill the cooling system according to your service manual’s recommendations. Even if it’s not time for a
flush, always keep a close eye on the level, condition and concentration of the coolant. • Have your belts and hoses checked by a qualified technician for tightness and overall quality. • Change the oil and oil filter as specified in the owner’s manual. Always remember to properly dispose of used oil when performing an oil change yourself. • Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to combat summer’s dust and insects. • Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold. • Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs.
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Windshield Care Y
our windshield is your window to the driving world. Keeping it clean and clear will help you reach your destination safely, while a dirty one can serve as a dangerous detriment to your driving performance.
From bug buildup to cracks in the glass, there are a number of factors that can cause obstructed views through your windshield. It is up to you to identify and resolve them.
WIPER BLADES
Worn wiper blades are one of the most dangerous flaws your vehicle can have, especially when the springtime rain begins. Wipers can malfunction in a number of ways or even stop working altogether. The most common issue with wipers is a worn blade. Luckily, replacing them is both easy and inexpensive. Car care experts recommend that you replace both at the same time. If you’re not confident in your ability to effectively install new wipers, check with your local auto parts store to find out if they offer free installation. Many of them do, which can give you peace of mind that they are installed correctly.
Expert Auto Repair, Foreign and Domestic.
CRACKS
A lot of us have experienced the cracking windshield. You’re driving down the road when a rock flies up and dings the glass. The chip turns into a small crack, which then turns into a large spider web crack. If you’re going to drive the car before you repair the windshield, be sure the crack isn’t impeding your line of sight. Windshield crack repair kits are sold in the auto parts departments of many local and big box stores. If applied correctly, these acrylic adhesive and filler options are great for repairing small chips or cracks. If the damage to your car is more severe, a trip to the auto glass shop may be in your future. Whatever route you decide to take, it is important to put safety first.
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Maximizing Resale Value
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he springtime is perfect for car owners looking to upgrade their ride. Dealerships are often hot spots for deep discounts on both new and used cars.
But don’t forget about sprucing up the one you’ll be trading in. You can get more money out of your current car at transaction time if you make sure it’s up to par. Dealerships use resources like Kelley Blue Book or the National Automobile Dealers Association to calculate the worth of your car on the used market. Obviously, factors such as age and make of your car are out of your control. Some models have great reputations for holding their value, while others may require expensive parts and extensive labor for repair. While you may not be able to do much to change these dynamics, what you can impact is your car’s condition. How you maintain your car over the course of ownership can make a big difference in how much money you can expect when the time comes to trade it in.
CLEANING TIPS
• Carry out a thorough cleaning inside and out every two weeks. This will help keep the interior fabric free of dirt that can fray its color. It also will save your exterior paint finish from being harmed by a buildup of pollutants. • Fix dings promptly before they turn into rust spots. Just like any other maintenance,
the quicker you take care of a small issue, the less likely it is that it will snowball into a massive one. • Park far away from other cars or shopping carts. This will help you avoid dings or
scratches that can require expensive fixes. • As much as you can, avoid smoking or eating in your car. Cigarette burns and food stains can drop your car’s value in a hurry because the dealership
knows it will have to invest money into repairs to get top-dollar from a buyer. • Never neglect oil changes, which when done regularly can lengthen the life of your engine.
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Third Annual
Farm & Fleet Sale
All 11 Davison Auto Parts Locations Off 40% a ap All N ers Filt d l o G
March 23-27 Napa 15W-40 Oil $9.99 per gal.
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317 S. Bridge St. 503-843-2211
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1480 Hwy. Ave. 101 541-271-2121
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Woodburn 1655 James St. 503-981-3391
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McMinnville
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Lincoln City
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