Concrete poured for Station 71, Guadalupe County planning for its future
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Guadalupe County) -- A major milestone has been reached for Guadalupe County Fire Rescue as construction officially moves forward on its first permanent fire station, marking a significant step in the department’s growth.
Last week county officials announced that concrete was poured at the future site of Station 71, located at FM 758 and Huber Road.
Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County emergency management coordinator and fire marshal, says the moment has been years in the making.
“This has been a long process that we’ve been working on for several years. We started this construction process about two years ago with the architects and bringing on the contractors. Guido Construction is our contractor and BSW Architects
is the architects who designed the fire station and the emergency operations center. And we’re getting to that point, which today was a mile marker where we actually started to pour the foundation. They’ve been working diligently for the last few months, broke ground in September, end of September, beginning of October on the sites.
Station, pg. 3
Woman’s disappearance nears 41-year anniversary
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office is hoping to generate new leads in a 41-year-old case in which Kathleen Laura Ranft vanished without a trace here in Guadalupe County.
Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Investigators say on April 5, 1985, Ranft clocked out of Lippe Tire Service in Seguin at 5:50 p.m., full of hope for the future. They say she was preparing for the grand opening of the business and had just taken the first “brave steps toward a new life — separating from her husband, filing for divorce, and making the first payment on her own apartment.”
That evening, they say her husband helped move some of her belongings into the new place. They say he was last to see her between 9:30 and 10 p.m.
The next day, her light blue Chevrolet Citation was found abandoned in the parking lot of the Country Cabaret in Seguin.
Kathleen Laura Ranft has not been seen or heard from since.
Officials say for 41 long years, her family has lived with the heartbreak of not knowing what happened to their loved one -- a daughter, sister, and friend who was simply trying to start over.
The cold case was again brought off the shelf by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office who posted the information online just days before the April 5 anniversary.
Investigators say if anyone knows anything about Ranft’s disappearance – to please call with that information -- information that could finally bring answers and peace to her family.
Any bit of information is being accepted. They may call the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office at 830-3791224.
They can also submit an anonymous tip through Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers.
They can also call its hotline at 1-877-403-8477 (or 1-877-403-TIPS) – 24/7.
Other options include providing the tip online at https://guadalupecountycrimestoppers.org/ or utilzing the free mobile app -- P3 Tips to submit tips anonymously. If information leads to an arrest or indictment, individuals may qualify for a cash reward -- paid anonymously.
Guadalupe County Emergency officials working to close the gaps so everyone is alerted during crisis
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Guadalupe County) -- A day after emergency alerts sounded across Guadalupe County, officials say the real test is just beginning. And, that test is making sure every resident is actually receiving those critical warnings.
Guadalupe County leaders are following up on Thursday morning’s countywide Emergency Alert System test
with new details about how the system works — and what residents should do if they didn’t receive a notification.
The 10 a.m. test, conducted in coordination with neighboring agencies, pushed alerts through multiple channels, including phone calls, text messages, emails, social media and outdoor warning sirens.
Officials say the “drill met its primary goal of checking the county’s ability to quickly reach the public.”
Guadalupe County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Marshal Patrick Pinder says the exercise was part of a new statewide requirement.
Gaps, pg. 3
Station, continued.
And so, on both sites, the fire station is located on 758 and Huber, and then the Emergency Operations Center warehouse is the location across the street from the sheriff’s office. So that site hasn’t quite poured concrete yet, but the fire station has, and that’s a very exciting times for Guadalupe County Fire Rescue,” said Pinder.
Pinder says the new station represents the first of its kind for Guadalupe County Fire Rescue, a department established in 2020 to support local volunteer fire departments and meet increasing emergency demands tied to the county’s growth.
Up until now, Pinder says firefighters have operated out of a temporary facility that will also soon change.
“We’ve been operating out of a temporary site for about 3, 3 1/2 years across the street from the sheriff’s office. And currently, with that site coming up, with it by the end of this year, we should be operating out of that site. So, what folks will start seeing in that area is the steel start to go up, the siding coming in -- the site work’s going to start to begin, and it’s just going to start to look like a building again,” said Pinder.
Pinder says the construction of these stations is a true investment in the fast-growing community. He says the best part is that the project is being funded through federal relief dollars.
“The price tag on that building is about six and a half million. The total project construction between both projects is about $18 million. And we just want to remind folks that – that was a grant. That was funds that were brought in from ARPA money. And so, the county utilized those funds and put that towards those projects. So, we’re using good resources and turning that into making sure that we’re serving the public by putting a fire station in an area that’s needed, an area that’s growing right there at 758
and 123. And we’ve got other projects in the works also,” said Pinder.
Although the county is still nailing down times and dates, Pinder says it’s important for him that community members also take part in celebrating the project.
Pinder says, “We’re going to do what’s called a beam signing. And we’ll have a piece of steel at the site. Most people do a dirt shovel turn, but we’ve already been past that point. So, when the steel hits the ground, we want people to sign it. And then when the contractor gets ready to set it, they’re going to put it up in the station and it’ll stay there as long as that building’s there. And so, everybody will have a chance to have a piece of Guadalupe County Fire Rescue.”
Since its creation, the department has rapidly expanded -- transitioning from limited daytime coverage in 2022 to full 24/7 operations in 2023. Today, crews respond to more than 1,500 calls annually, a number that Pinder says continues to climb in the rapidly growing county.
Gaps, continued.
Now that the results continue to come in, the county is shifting its focus on those who may have been missed.
Following the test, the Guadalupe County Emergency Management Office released additional information outlining the many ways alerts are distributed here locally. It should be noted that no single system reaches everyone.
The county’s emergency notification network includes: IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert & Warning System), which includes: Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) sent to cell phones
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
for radio and television
REAN (Regional Emergency Alert Network)
Direct notifications to landlines and residents who opt in Broadcast alerts through KWED Radio AM 1580
Outdoor warning sirens — currently 26 units placed primarily along the Guadalupe River, with more planned
Updates on the county website at www.GuadalupeTx.gov
Social media platforms, including:
Guadalupe County Emergency
Management / Fire Marshal
Guadalupe County Fire Rescue
Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office
Coordination with eight volunteer fire departments and local city emergency services
Officials say the layered approach is intentional, ensuring alerts can still reach residents even if one system fails.
The test also serves as a reminder that some notification methods require residents to opt in. Those who did not receive an alert Thursday are encouraged to verify their contact information or sign up for local notifications.
Residents can find more information on how to sign up for alerts through the Guadalupe County Emergency Management Office or by visiting the county’s website.
&KOE WETZEL TREATY OAK REVIVAL A
VITAL STATISTICS
TSCHOEPE
Emil “Chuck” Tschoepe, III, age 74 of Marion, passed away on March 20, 2026. Chuck was born on September 12, 1951, in Anderson, Indiana, to Virginia Bertha (Babel) Tschoepe Howard and Emil Tschoepe, Jr.
After graduation from Marion High School in 1969 Chuck attended Texas A&M University where he served in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. After graduation with a degree in mechanical engineering, he went to work for Haliburton. He later retired from Southwest Research in San Antonio. He also took courses at Texas State University and Our Lady of the Lake University. He substitute taught at both Marion and Randolph Schools.
Chuck loved the outdoors and his favorite place to be, the farm in Marion! A lover of music, Chuck, played in the Good Ole Boys Band throughout the surrounding area. He was multi-talented, playing both the guitar and fiddle while also serving as lead singer.
Chuck is preceded in death by his wife, Lynette “Lyn” Weir Tschoepe, his parents, and his sister, Kathryn “Kathy” Reed.
Survivors include his loving wife, Paula Bass Tschoepe; daughter, Sarah E. Mihelich and husband, Robert Cox, Jr.; step-son, Eddie Snow and wife Celeste;, daughter-in-law, Haley Meador; grandchildren, Caleb Lawrence Mihelich, Caroline Lorraine DeUnger, Aryana Meador, Autumn Marie Snow, Summer Lilla Snow, Hayden Meador, Robert Pfeiffer, Dominick Snow, and Dylan Snow; siblings, June Brietzke, Carol Sassman and husband Freddy, and Kelvin Tschoepe and wife Sissy; brother-in-law, William “Bill” Reed; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.
A memorial service celebrating Chuck’s life will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel with the Reverend Tom Jones officiating. A reception will follow at the Geronimo VFW Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, Tn, 38105-9959.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 7815, 830-549-5912.
AHA Gives New Diet Guidelines For Heart Health
(Dallas, TX) -- The American Heart Association is giving updated guidance on diets good for the heart and that may reduce heart related issues. The diets involve a high amount of vegetables, fruits and whole grains with less sugar, salt and ultra processed foods. They also makes protein a priority from plant-based sources. Examples of that include beans, peas, seeds and lentils. The American Heart Association says about half of U.S. adults have some sort of cardiovascular disease and many cases are linked to poor diet habits and physical inactivity.
CDC Pausing Testing On Some Diseases
(Atlanta, GA) -- The CDC is pausing testing to a number of disease programs. It’s unclear why exactly but a government official tells CNN the pause is temporary while a routine review takes place to uphold the commitment to high quality laboratory testing. There was a dramatic reduction in staff at the CDC last year. Some of the tests that are unavailable now include Epstein Barr Virus and certain versions of measles and rabies.
Lawsuit Over New York Based David Protein Bar Dropped
(New York, NY) -- Plaintiffs are dropping a lawsuit accusing the maker of a popular protein bar of misleading consumers on calorie and fat numbers. A class action lawsuit filed in January alleged that New York based David Protein bars have 83 percent more calories than what’s on the label and 400 percent more fat following tests. David Protein CEO Peter Rahal responded saying those who filed the lawsuit used the wrong measurements and methods to come up with the calorie count. It’s unclear why the suit was dropped.
Study Shows Middle Aged Adults Clubbing Helps Health
(England) -- A new study shows women between ages 40 and 65 feel they have mental health benefits by going to nightclubs. Researchers at the University of Leeds surveyed women in that age range and found that more than half say they could be a different version of themselves in the club environment and it contributed significantly to their mental and physical health. Some participants explained they count clubbing as part of their fitness routine. The study was published in the journal Psychology of Music.
GCCAC Golf Tournament to Benefit Children’s Advocacy Center
The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will host its annual golf tournament fundraiser on Thursday, April 16 at The Bandit Golf Course. The 4-person scramble begins with registration at 7:30 a.m. and an 8:30 a.m. start. The event will also feature opportunities for prizes, including a hole-in-one contest, along with food, drinks, and activities throughout the day. For more information, visit gccac. net.
Job Fair Planned at New Braunfels Food Bank Area residents looking for employment opportunities are invited to attend a Job Fair hosted by the New Braunfels Food Bank and Workforce Solutions Alamo. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the New Braunfels Food Bank, 1620 S. Seguin Ave. in New Braunfels. Job seekers will have the opportunity to connect with multiple local employers who are actively hiring. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and dress professionally.
Seguin Art League Announces April Events, Classes & Deadlines
The Seguin Art League is hosting a series of upcoming events and classes throughout April, along with a deadline for its annual High School Art Show. Art in Action, a community-wide live art event, will take place April 11 to 12, with finished works displayed April 14 to 24. A Needle Felted Landscapes workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 18, followed by an Ink and Watercolor Landscapes class from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 29, both at the Seguin Art League Gallery. Entries for the Annual High School Art Show are due from 4 to 6 p.m. April 30 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church McKeogh Hall, with an awards reception set for May 2. Classes have limited space and require registration. For details, entry forms, and registration information, visit seguinartleague.com or call 830-305-0472.
Pantherpalooza Kids & Family Expo
Navarro ISD will host Pantherpalooza, a Kids and Family Expo, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Navarro Intermediate School. The free event will feature family resources, student organizations, local businesses, games, food trucks and information about summer recreation and student job opportunities. For details or vendor information, visit navarroisd.us/pantherpalooza.
Child Abuse Awareness Fundraiser: Fiesta of Heroes and Villains
An 8th annual Child Abuse Awareness fundraiser, “Fiesta of Heroes and Villains,” will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Comal County Sheriff’s Posse, 3826 Morningside Drive in New Braunfels. Hosted by Guardians of the Children Hill Country Chapter, the event will include a fun run, bike show, silent auction, raffle drawing, vendor booths, and a free bike giveaway for youth. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero or villain. Proceeds will benefit Guardians of the Children, a nonprofit organization supporting abused children.
Navarro ISD to Host Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup
Families with young children are invited to learn more about enrolling in Navarro ISD during the district’s upcoming Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup events at Navarro Elementary School in Geronimo. Pre-K Roundup will be held from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, followed by Kindergarten Roundup from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 21. Parents will have the opportunity to meet teachers, tour classrooms and speak with district representatives about transportation, child nutrition and special education services while learning about the enrollment process for the 2026-27 school year. Children must be 4 years old for Pre-K and 5 years old for Kindergarten by Sept. 1, 2026. For details and required documents, visit navarroisd. us/roundup.
Pachanga 2026 to Benefit Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguín
The Center for Mexican American Studies and the Mexican American Student Association at Texas Lutheran University are inviting the community to Pachanga 2026, a free fundraiser supporting Teatro de Artes de Juan Seguín. The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 17 at the TLU Alumni Plaza. The evening will include a silent auction, dinner, dancing, and live music featuring Llamativa, DJ Navarro, Mariachi AJB, the Seguin Starlettes, and Danza Guadalupana. The event is free and open to all ages.
Wildlife Association annual meeting
The Guadalupe County Wildlife Management Association will hold its
annual Spring Meeting on April 17 at the Texas Agriculture Education & Heritage Center (Big Red Barn), 250 Corodova Road in Seguin. The meeting begins with a social hour at 6 p.m., with the dinner meeting set to begin at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in Guadalupe county wildlife management is encouraged to attend. Dinner cost $15. RSVP by sending an email to RSVP:GuadalupeCountyWMA@gmail. com.
Small Business Unite Symposium Coming to Northeast Lakeview College
The Texas Tri-County Chamber of Commerce will host the Small Business Unite Symposium on April 17–18 at Northeast Lakeview College in Paluxy Hall in Universal City. The two-day event is open to entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and community leaders. The symposium will feature business education sessions, networking opportunities, industry panels, and a Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification included with registration. Registration is now open at busines.txtricountychamber.org.
Field of Honor BBQ fundraiser
Seguin Field of Honor will have a BBQ fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Cash America Pawn, located at 1111 E. Court St. The plates are $12 each and consist of half a chicken, cowboy potatoes, beans and trimmings. Presale tickets are available from committee members, or call Connie at 830-243-2872.
SW Prep PTO hosts Bingo Night Fundraiser
The Southwest Preparatory School PTO is hosting a game night fundraiser to help build a new playground for students at the Seguin charter school. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23 in the Southwest Preparatory School Cafeteria, located at 2400 E. Walnut St. Entry is $10 and includes a game book. Tickets will be available at the door or from any PTO member. Students in 6th grade and up may participate, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Texans Reaching Out 2026
Come one, come y’all to celebrate in true Texas style at St. Andrew’s “Texans Reaching Out” on Friday, April 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the church parish hall, 201 E. Nolte. The event features a lip-smackin’ fish fry by Johnny’s BBQ and music by The Magpies! You’ll also enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a handheld dessert bar. Tickets are free of charge, but reservations are required. A collection will be taken to benefit the local and international outreach ministries of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Seating is limited so reserve prior to April 17 by calling the church office at 830.372.4330 or emailing secretary@ standrewseguin.org.
Seguin ISD Matador Family Bash
A Matador Family Bash will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 24 at Matador Stadium in Seguin. Hosted by Seguin ISD, the free event will feature games, concessions, and family activities. A movie showing of “Zootopia 2” will follow from 7 to 9 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows for the movie.
Geronimo Creek Spring Stream Cleanup
A spring stream cleanup for the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Partnership will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Volunteers in the Seguin area will meet at the Seguin ISD Outdoor Learning Center, located at 1865 E. U.S. Highway 90. Participants will help clean local waterways as part of a regional effort to improve water quality. Cleanup supplies will be provided, and a limited number of event T-shirts will be available for those who register. Free breakfast tacos and coffee will also be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance at geronimocreekwatershed.org.
World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day Celebration
A World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day celebration will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25 on the east lawn of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis St. in Seguin. Local practitioners will gather as part of a global event promoting peace, harmony, and wellness, joining others around the world during the same hour. The free event is open to all skill levels, including beginners and those who wish to observe and participate. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and water.
Denim Day Event Raises Awareness for Sexual Assault Prevention
The Thriving Hearts Crisis Center is inviting the community to take part in Denim Day, a special awareness event focused on supporting survivors of sexual assault. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1
p.m. Wednesday, April 29 at Seguin Central Park, located at 201 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Community members are encouraged to attend, show support, and help raise awareness with the message that consent matters.
Evening with the Texas Rangers Set for April 30
The Seguin Heritage Museum is inviting the community to “An Evening with the Texas Rangers,” a special program featuring history and live entertainment. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the Palace Theatre, located at 114 S. Austin St. in Seguin. Entertainment will be provided by Dottsy Dwyer and the Hudiburgs, with concessions available during the evening. Admission is $20. Tickets can be purchased online at seguinheritagemuseum.org or locally at the Seguin Heritage Museum, Parker’s City Pharmacy, and Gift and Gourmet.
Seguin Art League High School Art Show Now Accepting Entries
The Seguin Art League will host its 16th annual High School Art Show, with artwork submissions accepted from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at St. Andrew’s McKeogh Hall, located at 201 E. Nolte St. in Seguin. The show is open to all students in grades 9 through 12. Cash prizes will be awarded during a reception scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2. For more information and a prospectus, visit seguinartleague.com or call 830-491-0778.
SHS students offer free tax help
Seguin ISD students are offering free tax preparation assistance through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The service is available from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 31 at the Seguin High School Library. The program is provided by IRS-certified students in the Seguin Independent School District Career and Technical Education business pathway and is open to individuals and families earning about $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. Appointments are encouraged. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Helen Stamper at hstamper@seguin.k12.tx.us
Free Tax Help at Texas Lutheran University
Texas Lutheran University is offering free tax preparation assistance through its IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The clinic will be held Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through April 15 at the Beck Center on the Texas Lutheran University campus, 1020 Beck Drive in Seguin.
The service is provided at no cost by accounting students from Texas Lutheran University and is open to individuals and households earning $69,000 or less, as well as seniors, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
Energy Assistance Available
The Community Council of South Central Texas is accepting applications for utility bill assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Funding is limited and available in select counties, including Guadalupe County. Apply online at ccsct.org/utility-assistance-apply-for-services/ and schedule an appointment with your county office. An appointment does not guarantee assistance.
Homestead Exemption Audit Process Begins for Property Owners
Property owners in Guadalupe County are being advised of a new requirement involving homestead exemptions. Under a new state law, appraisal districts across the state, including the Guadalupe Appraisal District, will begin conducting audits of homestead exemptions. As part of the process, property owners with an active homestead exemption may receive a notice asking them to reapply for the exemption every five years to verify eligibility. The appraisal district does not calculate taxes based on exemptions. Any tax adjustments will be handled by the Guadalupe County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office and reflected either in amended bills for previous years or on the current year’s tax bill issued in October. Property owners who receive a notice should follow the instructions provided by the Guadalupe Appraisal District.
To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
Small steps to extend a car’s life expectancy
Vehicles continue to get more expensive. The automotive experts at Kelley Blue Book indicate the average American car buyer paid $50,080 for a new vehicle in September 2025, which was the first time the average price for a new car ever topped $50,000. More drivers are looking for ways to push their current vehicles past the 200,000-mile mark to save money.
According to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of a vehicle on the road hit a record high of 12.8 years in 2025. Although major mechanical failures concern drivers of older vehicles, it’s actually much smaller things that can affect vehicle longevity. There are small actions anyone can take to significantly extend a car’s life.
• Use caution on cold starts. When a vehicle sits, oil settles at the bottom of the engine. To help combat damage that can occur, drivers can wait about 30 seconds before shifting into gear, as this will allow the oil pump to circulate the lubricant to the upper valve train and help prevent extra wear on the engine. Modern fuelinjected engines warm up faster and more safely
by being driven gently rather than sitting still, so it’s not necessary to idle for a long while with the vehicle in the driveway, says Smart Motors Toyota. In fact, long idles actually can strip away oil.
• Treat fluids wisely. According to EngineeringCivil.org, checking and replacing fluids is cheaper than replacing hardware. Recent data suggests that consistent oil changes can add between 50,000 and 100,000 miles to an engine’s lifespan. It’s important to follow a vehicle’s manual for time-based intervals for fluid replacement, rather than just going by mileage.
• Drive faster on occasion. Oil will never get hot enough to evaporate internal condensation for those who primarily drive short distances under 10 miles. Once every few weeks, it’s important for drivers to drive at least 20 minutes at highway speeds to help get rid of contaminants.
• Drive smoothly on roads. Aggressive driving will not just burn more gas; such driving also creates heat, which can impact longevity. According to Kia, hard braking generates immense heat that can warp rotors and stress
suspension bushings. Likewise, it’s key to ease into acceleration. Rapid acceleration forces the transmission to downshift abruptly, increasing wear. Reports from The Zebra, an insurance shopping company, indicate that mindful driving can reduce mechanical strain by up to 30 percent.
• Fight corrosion. Rust can kill a car before the engine actually fails. People who live in areas where roads are treated with salt in the winter should use a winter car wash that includes an undercarriage spray. Auto Recycling World says road salt can eat through brake lines and fuel lines. In addition, applying a coat of wax twice a year can prevent UV rays and other damage to the clear coat, which protects the metal body from the elements.
• Address engine lights promptly. CarMD says addressing a “check engine” light immediately is 20 percent cheaper than waiting until the vehicle has a driveability issue. For example, ignoring a $150 oxygen sensor can eventually destroy a $1,500 catalytic converter. Small habits can help prolong the longevity of vehicles and help people save money.
