Vroom - Spring Car Care 2015

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Spring car care & Motorcycle

Parents have a host of options at their disposal when the time comes to buy new cars for their families. While dad might have long dreamed of driving the fastest sports car on the market, such a vehicle does not make much practical sense when car trips figure to be made with kids in tow.

Finding the right car for a family de-pends on a host of factors, as what makes a good vehicle for one family will not al-ways make a great choice for another fam-ily right down the street. When choosing a car for their families, parents can consider the following factors to ensure they choose the vehicles that best suit the needs of their broods.

CostWhile cost should not be the only consideration

when choosing a family vehicle, parents must determine their budget before beginning their search for a new ride. Aside from a home, cars are the most expensive purchase many people will ever make, which only highlights the importance parents must place on finding the right vehicles for their families. Luxury cars, SUVs and sports cars tend to be the most expensive vehicles on the market, and young parents just starting out or par-ents of school-aged kids with college educations to consider might find that less expensive vehicles make the most practical sense for their families. Parents also must determine if they are financing or leasing their vehicles or buying them outright. Financing and leasing often requires full insur-ance coverage, which can be pricey, while buying outright affords vehicle owners to choose the level of coverage they are most comfortable with. De-termine insurance costs on a given model before driving off the lot with the pedal to the metal.

Family sizeThe size and potential size of the family also

must be considered before buying a new car. Kids grow up and get bigger, and parents who want to have more children down the road should consider just how big they want their family to be before buying a new car. Look for a car that not only suits your family now, but one that will cater to your familys needs down the road as well. Overlooking this important factor now may force you to replace the car you ulti-mately buy sooner than you had hoped.

SafetySafety is the top priority for many parents as

they purchase new cars for their families. Look for a car with a high safety rating and a proven track record of ensuring passengers survive acci-dents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov)

test and rate new vehicles for safety, and parents should look up the results of these tests and rat-ings on any vehicle they are considering pur-chasing for their families.

UseFamily cars are rarely limited to getting mom

or dad to and from work and for trips to the grocery store. Todays kids are more active than ever before, and chances are their schedules are as packed as their parents. Consider the many chauffeuring trips you will have to make in the years to come, and choose a car that is equipped to handle those trips. Parents who double as soc-cer coaches may benefit from buying minivans that can easily store all that sports equipment,

while those whose children participate in activi-ties that take them far and wide may want a car thats especially fuel efficient.

ComfortLuxury vehicles may provide the most com-

fortable ride, but parents who are not yet ready to go that route need not sacrifice comfort in fa-vor of practicality. Families spend lots of time in their vehicles, and summer vacations or winter holiday road trips are that much more enjoy-able when everyone is riding in comfort. While comfort might not be the foremost priority for parents, it is something to consider when buying new family vehicles.

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Sharon Naylor

When you bring your car in to your mechanic for maintenance or a repair, its important to bring along some essential informa-tion so that your mechanic can more easily see what your car needs and so that you may have a better chance of not paying (or not paying as much) for those repairs. A recent Consumer Reports survey says that car owners are postponing repair and mainte-nance work on their cars in an effort to save money, an unwise de-cision since unchecked car problems can lead to safety threats and pricier repairs in the future. If youre among those who have put off car maintenance, its even more important to bring as much information and detail to your next appointment.

Here are some important documents and details to bring to your mechanic appointment: Maintenance records. While your car dealership will have

your cars maintenance records on file, you should bring copies of any service records from any work you had done on your car by an independent mechanic. Your mechanic needs the full picture of whats been done to your car, so that he or she can unravel the problem your car is having now. Dont be embar-rassed about having sought out car repairs elsewhere on your owned car. (Note: Outside repair work done on your leased car may void your warranty.)

Warranty documents. Your current warranty will reveal what is covered and not covered for your cars repairs, so its best to have your warranty information on you. Be aware that the Federal Trade Commission says theres no standard war-ranty on repairs, so be sure you understand what is covered and what is not covered, and know about your warrantys limi-tations such as mileage limits, age-of-car limits and businesses authorized to perform warranty-covered work, so that you have enough money in your account to cover any repair costs should they not be covered.

Your license and registration. These documents serve as proof that you own your car and that its registered two details many mechanics need to know before working on your car.

Your car insurance information. In some cases, damage to your car may be covered by your car insurance policy, and thus, your mechanic can provide information to help you file your claim.

Descriptions, photos and video of the problem. Ac-cording to the experts at Cars.com, your mechanic needs a de-tailed description of your cars issues, such as what kind of noise its making. You could try to make the same sound or you could play a recording of it that you took on your smartphones video camera. Write down how the car was performing before the issue began and if there were any strange sounds or smells com-ing from the car. These pieces of evidence help your mechanic

diagnose and fix the problem. Brand names of products youve used. If you added

fluids to your car on your own recently, have the brand names and product descriptions ready to share with your mechanic. The problem may be that you used the wrong type of additive.

A valet key to your car. Its just easier to have the me-chanic use that extra key to move your car during its service as you wait than to hand over your big keychain with all of your home and other keys, or struggle to free your car key from your keychain.

Its also good form to clean your car out before your mechanic appointment. That means removing all the soccer equipment from your trunk and all coffee cups, gym bags and other items from your cars interior. You may not realize that your mechanic has to access parts of your car through the trunk, and having to remove your belongings is aggravating and time-consuming.

When you call to make your mechanic appointment, ask what else they wish for you to bring. Its better to know their preferred list of details ahead of time than to have to drive home and search for maintenance records and other documents. If you dont have the documents ready, you may not be able to have your car fixed at all on that day, forcing you to wait for a new appointment to become available.

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Teresa Iqbal

If youre struggling with the price of gasoline and feel as if you fill up your tank much too often, it may be time to look at the fuel economy of your ve-hicle. Realizing that you arent entirely helpless in the fate of the fuel economy of your car is a wonderful way to begin mak-ing changes for the better. There are several different initiatives that you can take to conserve fuel, some easier than others.

Maintain Your Vehicle to Save

Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape has the ability to drastically improve your fuel economy. Most vehicles on the road have their tires inflated to the wrong tire pressure. By inflating tires to their proper pressure, one is easily able to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicle. Check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure proper inflation.

There are also several vehicle parts that can be replaced to en-sure better gas mileage. Spark plugs are one such part. Spark plugs will need to be changed a few times over the lifespan of your vehicle. However, it may be wise to change out your spark plugs in advance of when theyre set to require a change. The Family Handyman explains the tendency for worn-out spark plugs to become less fuel efficient over time, If your 100,000-mile spark plugs have 80,000 miles on them, theyre 80 percent worn. Misfires and incomplete combustion occur more frequently during that last 20,000 miles, costing you almost $562.50 in wasted fuel.

The type of oil that you choose to use in your vehicle isnt only important where your engine is concerned. In fact, the grade of oil that is used in your vehicle has a direct effect on the fuel economy of the vehicle, which is why its important to only use the grade of oil that is listed in your cars manual. There are also specific brands of oil that advertise advanced fuel economy, which may be worth a shot as they often contain friction-reducing additives.

Use Your Brakes Less for More Efficiency

Less time spent pushing the brakes equates to less fuel that is being wasted by your vehicle. This is partly due to the fact that accelerating right after brak-ing is much less fuel efficient because the fuel that it took to get up to the speed before you braked is wasted. Your vehicle also requires more fuel to accel-erate back up to a higher speed. Using cruise control while driving on the highway helps to conserve fuel because main-taining a constant speed means less braking. In the city, paying careful attention to lights and signs can allow you to coast

into a stop, rather than need-ing to brake suddenly. Also, its important to not trail cars too closely. Other cars may brake suddenly, which will require you to do so, too, costing you

gasoline in the process.

Other Wise Habits to Adopt

Observing the speed limit is one habit to adopt that can

have a lasting positive effect on your fuel usage. Fuel experts from Fuel Economy explain the importance of not driving too fast: While each vehicle reach-es its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually de-creases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph.

Keeping the weight of your vehicle as low as possible is an-other way to save fuel. Some fuel experts recommend removing unused seats in a vehicle, but you need not go to such ex-tremes to save a few bucks. Sim-ply try not to make a habit of carrying unnecessary cargo in your vehicle, especially on your roof, as it can reduce your fuel economy due to an increase in wind resistance, which means it takes more energy to get your car moving.

Where you park your vehicle is important, too. Keep your ve-hicle cool by parking it either in

the garage or in the shade. This prevents the evaporation of fuel from your gas tank, which oc-curs when a car gets too hot.

Though you may not feel as if you have the ability or the en-ergy to apply every one of these gas-saving tips, each fuel-saving habit that you do adopt will positively impact your vehicles fuel economy. Whether you find it easier to invest money in the maintenance of your vehicle or time in developing healthier driving habits is up to you!


KNOWING YOUR STUFFWhat to bring to the mechanic appointment

MAINTAIN MORE; BRAKE LESSHow to improve your vehicles fuel economy

Creators.com photo courtesy of Future Atlas

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Sharon Naylor

When you have a headlamp out on your car, its important to fix it right away, for your safety, the safety of other drivers and to avoid getting a tick-et. It is possible to change your own headlamp, rather than spend the time and money having your car dealership or mechanic complete this task. You just need to consult your cars manual for information and instructions and then tackle the job with the utmost of care.

What Youll Need to KnowFirst, youll need to know what kind of head-

lamp your car has. There are usually two kinds of headlamps: sealed beam headlamps and com-posite headlamps, each with different light-changing instructions.

Youll also need to know which kind of bulb your headlamp needs. That information can be found in your cars manual and by checking the parts on your car. Its a good idea to bring that spent lightbulb into your car supplies store to have an expert match it to a new product youll install by checking their car reference material.

What Youll Need to HaveAdditional supplies to get at the car supply

store include: a screwdriver set and any tools your cars manual recommends; cleaning cloths; and rubber gloves. Its also a good idea to spread out a solid-colored sheet beneath your working area so that any dropped screws or parts will be more easily found than if youre on a paved or gravel driveway.

Changing a Headlamp on a Newer-Model Car

Matthew Wright, an About.com auto repair expert, says that in cars with halogen headlam-ps, youll find the bulbs loaded into the back of the lens. This procedure covers most halogen headlight systems with bulbs loaded into the back of the lens.

First, locate the bulb holder. With your car hood propped open safely and your car com-pletely turned off, look at the back of the head-light and locate the bulb holder, which will have three wires coming out of a trapezoid-shaped plug. This plug will be secured in place by a metal clip, plastic catch or a screw cap. Follow-ing the instructions in your car manual, youll remove this wiring harness. If your system has a plastic catch, press down the small lever youll see sticking up at the top of the plug. As you press this down, pull gently but firmly on the plug. It should slide off.

For a metal clip harness removal system, pull up and away, and the plug will come off. For a screw cap, simply turn the screw cap counter-clockwise for removal.

With the wiring out of the way, you should be able to pull the bulb out by holding onto the base where the plug was situated, says Wright. In some cases, you may have to rotate the bulb slightly for it to release.

Dont just insert your new bulb. Its important to avoid getting oils from your fingers on the glass part of this new bulb, since oils can cause the light bulb to burn out prematurely. Use a tissue or clean rag to hold the bulb if you must hold it by the glass and not the base.

Insert the new bulb into the back of the head-

light and twist it into place, making sure that its inserted evenly with none of the light bulbs rubber gasket showing. Plug the wiring back in to then test your lights.

Changing a Headlamp on an Older Car

In many instances, older cars have sealed beam lights, say the experts at Napa Auto Parts. This type of headlamp has special light housing, and the headlamps come in a 2- to 4-lamp system, either round or rectangular.

Again, turn your car off completely, and then locate and remove the protective cover and re-taining ring they will usually be screwed in and may require a Phillips screwdriver or Torx tool to remove. The Napa Auto Parts experts recommend holding the headlamp as you unscrew the case to avoid dropping and shattering it.

Next, pull the wiring connector off of the prongs on the back of the light. You may need to clean the connector socket with electric contact clearer, and its best to inspect the wires for wear. On older cars, aged wiring can pose a problem with your headlamp performance. If you see wiring damage, take your car to the dealer or a

mechanic for a professional fix.Attach the new headlamp into place, fitting it

into the prongs and making sure the headlamp is right side up, a common mistake on first at-tempt.

Replace the retaining ring and protective cover, and then test to see if your lights work.

If your headlamp still does not work after these steps, there may be a fuse or electric prob-lem affecting your headlamps performance. In this case, its best to take your car in for a profes-sional assessment and repairs.

Of course, each make and model of car, and the age of the car, will determine the types of parts youll need and the housing and wiring systems youll encounter, so follow the directions in your owners manual carefully. If the task seems too complicated to even attempt, its worth the in-vestment to have a car care expert handle the re-pair and to check that your headlamps are both in proper alignment before you drive at night.


Chelle Cordero

Youre driving down the road, when suddenly, the car swerves. You regain control but cant ignore that thump-thump-thump noise, so you pull over to inspect your wheels. Three of the tires look fine, but the fourth isnt exactly round anymore. Youre stuck on the side of the road with a dreaded flat tire. What can you do now?

You will need an inflated spare tire. Most cars are equipped with full-size spare tires or compact tires (also called donuts) pre-mounted on a wheel that fits your car. You will also need a car jack (scissor, crank or hydraulic bottle) that fits your ve-hicle; if you purchase one aftermarket, make sure it will hold the maximum weight of your car. You will also need a lug wrench or tire iron -- a 4-way tire iron offers different size sockets and may allow you more leverage. Manual air pumps or portable bat-tery operated air compressors are useful if your spare is not fully inflated, but they not as effective as the compressors found in service stations. If you have locking lug nuts on your wheels, then you will need the key. It usually resembles an inside socket and might be in your glove compartment.

Make sure that you can pull your car off to the side on level ground and safely out of traffic. Chock the wheels (front and back) with wood, heavy rocks or commercial wheel blocks to prevent the car rolling off the jack. Roll the spare tire to the site where you will be working. Remove the hubcap and/or wheel cap and partially loosen the lug nuts using the tire iron. Place the jack under the metal frame in a secure spot, and then pump the jack slowly and firmly until the tire to be replaced is off the ground and high enough for a fully inflated tire.

If the car starts to slip at any point, lower it back to the ground (so long as you can do so safely) and reposition the jack. Finish removing the lug nuts and then remove the tire. Replace the flat with the spare tire making sure the wheel aligns with the lug nuts. Hand-tighten the lug nuts and lower the car to the ground. Make sure the lug nuts are tightened using the lug wrench before driving the vehicle. Nonmatching spare or donut tires should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure proper road traction and full use of ABS systems and gas mileage.

Sometimes if the tire has a minor puncture and you are just a few miles from help, you can use a canned aerosol tire fix. Sprayed through the tire valve, this will give you a few miles grace to reach a garage or tire shop where you can have the tire permanently plugged or replaced. Tire sealants are sold under a variety of names and stocked by many automotive stores like Fix-a-Flat, Slime Tube Sealant and Quick Spair. This canned tire sealant is not a permanent fix. The sealant is sprayed into the tire in liq-

uid form where it expands to temporarily plug a hole and fill the tire with enough pressure to drive a few (non-highway speed) miles; it is a great item to have in any roadside emergency kit.

When doing any emergency road repairs, safety comes first. Make sure that your vehicle is clear of the path of traffic and vis-ible to oncoming cars. If the traffic is too heavy and too fast, use your cell or roadside emergency phone to call for a tow truck.

Keeping safety and preparedness in mind, make sure you have a reliable emergency roadside kit in your car that includes the tools youll need for quick fixes along the way (e.g., canned tire inflator, flashlight, tire iron, etc.)

Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month and before any long road trips. Check the tread for un-even or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Check your cars alignment annually it will improve tire wear, fuel economy and handling. Keep tires inflated properly, and ro-tate them every six months. Before driving, always inspect the condition of all four tires.


BIG WHEELSHow to change a tire

LIGHT IT UPHow easy is it to change a headlamp?

Creators.com photo courtesy of GerlachIf you have a flat tire, make sure that you can pull your car off to the

side on level ground and safely out of traffic.

Creators.com photo courtesy of Sharon Toris Working headlights are essential to a safe ride.

Kristen Castillo

Riding motorcycles isnt just an activity; its a lifestyle. And that lifestyle comes with insider knowledge of everything related to bikes and the road. Whether youre a new or an experienced rider, heres a look at some of the terms you need to know. Ape hangers. Very high handlebars that, when held, make the

driver look like an ape hanging from a tree. Back warmer. According to Cruise the Coast, a Canadian mo-

torcycle sightseeing group, this term refers to the girl on the back of your motorcycle.

Bar hopper bike. Lingo for spit shined and polished bikes that only come out for show-off purposes, says Cruise the Coast. These bikes are ready for shows, rallies and club events, but not necessarily everyday, regular rides.

Bible. Motorcyclists may sound religious when referring to their bible, but theyre actually talking about their bikes owners man-ual.

Born-again biker. Someone who has recently returned to rid-ing after a period of absence, says Cruise the Coast.

Crotch rockets. Sport bikes on which the driver is hunched over the bike. These are typically fast and popular for stunts.

Eat asphalt. Also known as horizontally parking, this is slang for getting into an accident.

H.O.G. Cruise the Coast says this refers to Harley Owners Group, a copyrighted trademark of the organization that sends the official (Harley-Davidson) magazine to members who pay yearly dues.

Keep your rubber side down. This is a phrase of endear-ment when saying goodbye, says driver and physical therapist Vivian Eisenstadt, noting the saying means keep your wheels on the road and dont get into an accident.

Lane splitting. Also called lane sharing, this is a controversial term referring to motorcycles riding between cars and lanes head-ed in the same direction. Lane splitting isnt legal in many states. A similar term, filtering, refers to motorcycles driving through stopped traffic.

Lid. Also called a brain bucket, this term refers to a motorcycle helmet.

Low-fives. Want to say hi to a fellow motorcyclist driving in the opposite direction? Eisenstadt says you need to drop one arm off your handlebar and flash the peace sign upside down, or you can just drop your left arm and raise it slightly away from the bike.

Nods. Another friendly greeting is a simple nod to other bikers as youre next to them or as you pass them.

OEM. An abbreviation for original equipment manufacturer, meaning your ride is using stock parts that are specifically for your type of bike. Aftermarket is a related term, referring to parts and accessories purchased and installed that arent original to your type of motorcycle.

Pocket bikes. These miniature bikes, about a quarter of the size of a traditional motorcycle, are typically not street-legal. Pocket bikes are raced in Japan and Europe.

PMS. Cruise the Coast says this is an abbreviation for parked mo-torcycle syndrome, indicating that a biker hasnt been able to ride his or her motorcycle for an extended period of time.

Rallies. Group rides and gatherings for motorcycle enthusiasts. One of the most popular rallies is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held every August in South Dakota.

Rat bike. Youve seen these bikes on the road, the ones that are patched together in a variety of ways. A motorcycle thats been kept running, or together, by any means possible, usually with mismatched parts or parts that are not usually found on a motor-cycle, says Cruise the Coast.

RUB. Cruise the Coast uses this abbreviation to mean rich urban biker. Its used to describe the people who buy Harleys to look cool and who have more money than the passion a biker has for riding.

Warnings about cops. Warn fellow bikers about cops ahead by tapping your helmet as a biker passes you going the other way, says Eisenstadt.


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Kristen Castillo

Motorcycles have many advantages: Theyre gas-efficient, can maneuver through narrow spaces and possess the cool factor. But are they safe?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists injuries and fatalities are on the rise. In 2012, 93,000 motorcyclists were injured, up 15 percent from the year before. Also in 2012, 4,957 motorcyclists died in motor vehicle crashes, a 7 percent increase from the year before.

Motorcycles make up only 3 percent of all regis-tered vehicles in the United States and account for only 0.7 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. Still, NHTSA reports, per vehicle mile traveled in 2012, motorcyclists were more than 26 times likelier than passenger car occupants to die in motor vehicle traf-fic crashes and five times likelier to be injured.

Motorcycle accident and fatality statistics are scary, but theyre a reminder to be safe on the road.

Unlike cars, motorcycles offer no protection whatsoever, says Jordan Perch of DMV.com. Cars are equipped with airbags, seatbelts and other safety features that motorcycles dont have, and also, cars are more stable thanks to the fact that they are on four wheels.

Perch says motorcyclists need to remember that other drivers may not see them on the road because the bikes are smaller than cars. A lot of accidents in-volving motorcycle riders occur because car drivers fail to see motorcyclists on time and avoid a collision with them, he says.

Meeting Safety Head-onWhile not every state has helmet laws, its a good

idea to wear one anyway.

If motorcyclists wear Department of Transporta-tion-compliant helmets, theyll increase their protec-tion. NHTSA estimates that helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41 percent effective for motorcycle pas-sengers. Wearing a helmet saved the lives of 1,699 motorcyclists in 2012, and 781 more could have been saved if theyd worn a helmet.

Its also smart to wear protective gear when riding, including chest protectors, shin guards and a reflec-tive vest so you can be seen by other motorists.

Tracking ClaimsMost motorcycle drivers are careful on the road,

especially in their awareness of cars and other bikers. Even so, insurance data show that many motorcy-clists should monitor their own behavior.

Progressive Insurances claims report shows that in 2014, there were more single-vehicle motorcycle claims than any other type, including rear-end, in-tersection and stolen bikes claims combined. Single-vehicle complaints could mean a variety of things, including the motorcycle hit a wall or wiped out.

The report also showed that the majority of mo-torcycle accidents happen on the weekend, with the majority of claims being filed on Saturdays, Sundays and Fridays, in that order. The summer months were also the busy season for accidents, with claims spik-ing respectively in July, August and June. The fewest claims happened in December, presumably because many motorcyclists dont ride in colder tempera-tures.

Riding SafelyIf youre going to ride a motorcycle, make sure

your bike is ready for the road.

Ed Roberts, owner of Bent Wrench, a full-service motorcycle repair shop for most motorcycle models, recommends regular maintenance of your motor-cycle.

Pay attention to your wheel bearings and brakes, he says. Remember that a car has four wheels. A mo-torcycle only has two. Youre a lot closer to God.

He also recommends that motorcyclists, both be-ginners and experienced riders, take safety classes. Those classes teach you how your bike will react in situations, Roberts says, noting that driving a bike is a lot different from driving a car.

Being sober is another safety concern. Nearly a third of motorcyclists killed in crashes in 2012 were alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher.

Alcohol and motorcycles dont mix! advises Roberts.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness campaigns urge all drivers to share the road and remind motorcyclists to make sure theyre visible to other drivers.


MOTO RULESHow dangerous are motorcycles?

Creators.com photo courtesy of Harley-DavidsonWearing a helmet increases a motorcyclists chances of preventing injuries and fatality.

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Many parents worry when their teens start to drive. Distracted driv-ing, inexperience and simple carelessness are all reasons for parents to be concerned. The added distraction of a cellphone and all its available functions bring even more reasons to worry.

While it would be great if parents could keep a watchful eye every time a teenager is behind the wheel, its just not possible. In this age of technology, can parents have more peace of mind when their newly licensed teenage driver is on the road?

Parents can make use of vehicle monitoring devices, says Chris Ker-sting, president and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). The trade association represents the $33 billion automotive specialty equipment industry that includes thousands of products that

are available to enhance a vehicles styling, perfor-mance, comfort and convenience. These devices can help relieve some parents anxieties about their teen driver and can even improve teen driving habits.

Here are some devices to consider for anyone who wants to keep tabs on teenagers behind the wheel.

BluetoothWhile you dont want your teen texting while

driving, its equally as important to make sure that hes not talking with his phone glued to his ear. A ve-hicle with Bluetooth capabilities will ensure a safer hands-free experience - not to mention you can call him knowing he can answer you without taking his hands off the wheel or his eyes off the road. Choices range from a standalone universal Bluetooth kit, FM transmitters or a new Bluetooth-enabled car stereo system.

GPS trackerYou can easily track a vehicles movement using a GPS tracker. These

handy devices can be mounted in any car, sometimes using only a mag-net, and will report back to your computer or smartphone. Advanced features include alerts letting you know if your teenager is driving out of a pre-designated area. Trackers typically require a monthly subscrip-tion service fee.

Plug-in diagnostic port adaptersPlug-in diagnostic port adapters plug into your vehicles onboard di-

agnostic port (OBDII). The OBDII connects to the cars brain and when accessed, can provide a plethora of information on how the car is being driven. Every car sold after Jan. 1, 1996 was required to have an OBDII port, so most vehicles on the road today include this port. Numerous plug-in adapters are available to monitor driving habits and gather re-ports, including speed monitoring, harsh braking, location displays and more. Most adapters also require a service subscription in order to pro-vide text or email alerts on activities you wish to monitor.

Hardwired telematics systemsA hardwired vehicle tracking

system eliminates the possibil-

ity of your teenager finding and removing the diagnostic port adapter. Hardwired systems also provide real-time information and can pinpoint locations more accurately than a plug-in unit. These systems provide the same features such as speed tracking and notifications when your teen exceeds speed thresholds, and have built-in motion sensors to detect rapid acceleration or rapid starts. When real-time information is impor-tant, a hardwired system, while more costly and time consuming up-front, has real advantages.

Cellphone blockersSome aftermarket products available today can actually block cell-

phone usage when your teenager is driving, going a step beyond vehicle tracking or telematics. These cellphone blockers can be configured to block numerous phone capabilities, including texting while driving, taking photos and using applications. It can even block all incoming and outgoing phone calls, except from numbers you specify (i.e. mom and dad). Like a plug-in or hardwired telematics system, cellphone blockers connect to the vehicles telematics system. Along with blocking the most distracting functions of a phone, cellphone blockers also monitor and report speeding, driving habits and provide location identification.

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You know to put plenty of distance between your car and any truck or vehicle in front of you while driving, especially if that vehicle is towing land-scaping materials. But all it takes is for the vehicle in front of you to kick up some gravel for your car to get sprayed with pebbles and debris. At a high enough speed and with just the right impact, a peb-ble can hit your windshield and chip the glass. Its a frustrating occurrence, because you know that peb-ble damage now has to be fixed -- and that it can be pretty expensive to get work done at a glass-repair shop. So can you fix pebble-damaged glass yourself?

The simple answer is that no two stone chips are identical. To the eye, a chip may look like any other, but down deep, the damage is one of a kind. After all, many car windshields have outer and inner lay-ers. That pebble may have caused chips in both, or in just the outer layer. A chip may starburst out in any number of directions and depths. And when a chip occurs, the chipped glass particles become sur-rounded by tiny air pockets that can worsen with water exposure and freezing weather, distorting your vision and weakening the integrity of your

windshield. An untreated chip in a window can get worse, turning into a longer crack that cannot be repaired. Full windshield replacement most likely would be needed.

Youll need to decide whether you wish to repair your pebbled windows yourself, or bring your car in to your mechanic or to a car glass-repair shop. Weighing the pros and cons, a visit to the mechanic can be pricy and time-consuming, and yet the job will be done professionally, perhaps saving you from greater damage in the future. If you DIY your car window repair, it will likely be much cheaper. Keep in mind, though, that leased cars may require you to have the fix done professionally, so the deci-sion is made for you.

Another thing to consider is that your auto insur-ance may cover glass repairs. The experts at Esurance say that comprehensive coverage can kick in to help repair glass damage, and some states have a specific glass coverage option that might allow you to skip the deductible altogether. These coverages vary by state, so check the specifics of your coverage to find out what you can expect to pay out of pocket (if anything) on a windshield claim.

And there is the eco-friendly issue of avoiding

complete windshield replacement to keep the extra glass out of landfills. Many considerations will help you make your decision, one of the biggest being your confidence in yourself to tackle a DIY glass-repair project using a glass chip-repair kit found at your auto supply store and at big-box stores such as Sears.

If you do wish to take on the pebble-chip re-pair job yourself, drive your damaged car to your auto parts store, where you may be able to show the damage to an on-site car repair expert who can sug-gest the right windshield repair kit for you. Youll discover a number of different glass-chip repair kits on the market, including ones that work with the suns UV rays to cure resin applications to the chip. Your auto supply store expert will be an invaluable resource in choosing the ideal glass repair kit for your particular damage.

You can then follow the directions on the package and learn application secrets by watching YouTube glass-repair videos, as well as product-use videos that may be posted on the repair kits brand website. You also could improve your odds of success by ask-ing a friend who has experience with car repairs to help out.

Before using a DIY glass-chip repair kit, be sure your cars warranty doesnt void from self-applied repair materials, and plan to avoid using your car for the prescribed amount of time after the fix so that the resin may dry completely.

After your professional or DIY glass-chip repair, ideally, your windshield will look good as new and will be fixed to a degree that prevents further dam-age from developing.


FROM CHIP TO CRACKWhat to do about that pebbled windshield

5 automotive mobile devices ideal for teenage drivers

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There are a number of decisions that new parents have to make right off the bat. To use a pacifier or not to use a pacifier? Dis-posable diapers or cloth diapers? Choosing the right car seat, and using it correctly, is another important decision parents have to make, especially considering the impact it has on their childs safety.

It may take some time to research which car seat is best for your child. Perhaps most important is the size limitations of the car seat when it comes to determining which seat will be a good fit for your little one. All car seats have different height and weight limitations. There are a number of convertible options available on the market, which are meant to transition with your child from infancy to toddlerhood. There are also travel systems available for purchase, which are typically safe to use with your newborn. However, once a newborn outgrows the height or weight limit for this type of car seat, its vital to upgrade to a car seat that cor-responds with the childs size.

When purchasing a new seat, it is important to check the expi-ration date on all models. Car seats are usually good for anywhere from five to nine years from their manufacturing date, not the purchase date. There should be a small sticker located somewhere on the car seat that lists the manufacturers name, the model name of the car seat and its model number. The date it was manufac-tured, as well as the expiration date, should also be listed. The information can be hard to find on the car seat, but it may be pos-sible to find the information in the owners manual, as well. If the information cant be found in either place, calling the manufac-

turer may be helpful as well. One of the reasons why its necessary to abide by the expiration date of your childs car seat is explained by car seat experts of The Car Seat Lady, Plastic becomes brittle and weak as it ages two qualities you dont want in a car seat that has to withstand severe crash forces.

Other considerations that parents need to pay careful attention to in order to ensure the safety of their childs car seats are manu-facturer recalls. Many companies include a self-addressed postcard for consumers to fill out with their contact information and send to the company. This way, manufacturers are easily able to send notices of any recalls they may issue on specific models of their products. They may ask consumers to contact the company for replacement parts of a refund to resolve the problem.

Its often advised that parents not buy car seats that may have been previously used. It can be hard to judge if a car seat has been involved in a car accident, which compromises the safety of the car seat. If you have a tight budget and need to buy used, try to purchase a car seat from a family member or friend who you can trust to vouch that the seat was not involved in an accident.

Once you have purchased your car seat, its vital to make sure that it is installed correctly. Read the owners manual to ensure correct installation. It is recommended to have the car seat instal-lation inspected by a specialist. Many places may offer this service for free, such as your local police department.

The position of the car seat may be as important as the other fac-tors mentioned above. Recently, there have been many proponents who claim its safest for children to remain rear-facing in their car seat for as long as possible. Parenting magazine notes, A 2007 study in the journal Injury Prevention found that children young-

er than 2 are 75 percent less likely to die or to be severely injured in a crash if they are rear-facing. Another study found riding rear-facing to be five times safer than forward-facing. This is mainly due to the fact that the head, neck and spine of an infant is much better supported in the event of a crash if they are rear-facing. Its clear that car seats are about much more than transportation. This is because if the correct seat is chosen and used correctly, it can save a childs life.


Tips for choosing and using car seats

Creators.com photo courtesy of Intel Free PressRecently, there have been many proponents who claim its safest for

children to remain rear-facing in their car seat for as long as possible.

Chelle Cordero

He was driving his son home from college at the beginning of the summer break when they were sideswiped on the parkway. It caused a rear tire blowout and a rollover. Luckily, both occupants were strapped in, so personal injuries were mini-mal; the car didnt fare so well. When the insurance company offered a settlement, it was far below the anticipated replacement value, and the customer wouldnt accept it. The customer won. The vehi-cles owner didnt have any special pull; he just did his homework.

Cars are among the biggest purchases most peo-ple make, and a car accident can be painful. A ve-hicle may be considered a total loss because repair would be more expensive than the market value of the car before the accident. Insurance-company adjusters use specialized formulas to determine market value. Settlements often equal the fair mar-ket value minus the deductible and costs related to the disposal of the wreck. Other factors vary from state to state; they may add estimated sales tax, reg-

istration and title costs of a new car.Immediately after a crash, ensure your safety

and the safety of your passengers. Be aware of sur-rounding traffic. Do not leave the scene of the ac-cident. Call 911, and stay calm. Tell the operator the location, the number of vehicles and whether there are any suspected injuries. Seek medical attention for any injuries you may have suffered. Dont con-front other drivers. You can exchange insurance information, but be sure to have that information available for responding police, as well. If you can, take pictures of the scene and vehicles. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Before you accept any settlement, do your own research and find out the pre-accident market val-ue of your vehicle. Look online and in local ads for prices of comparable vehicles offered for sale. Start your search close to home, within 25 miles, and expand the radius if you cant find two to three ve-hicles to compare. Dont forget to check online ref-erences such as Kelley Blue Books website (http://www.kbb.com) to get the current market value of

your car. Once you have this knowledge, you can attempt negotiations with your insurance com-pany for a more palatable settlement, if necessary. Once you accept a settlement, the wrecked vehicle becomes the property of the insurance company and may be sold at salvage.

Sometimes the market value of your vehicle is less than what you may owe on an outstanding auto loan. Unfortunately, the difference is not the insurance companys problem, and you are still re-sponsible to the bank or lien holder for the full amount. Because cars do depreciate sometimes faster than the loan payoff accounts for, its a good idea to periodically check market value before any mishaps occur.

If you find you owe more than your car is worth, speak to your insurance agent about gap insurance, which covers the difference between what you owe and a potential settlement on a totaled vehicle. Depending on your states regulations, settlement and gap insurance checks may be payable directly to the lien holder or jointly to you and the lien holder. Also depending on your states regulations,

you can elect to keep the totaled vehicle and ac-cept a payout of market value minus deductible and potential salvage revenue -- just be aware that a totaled car cannot be insured.

Car insurance is mandatory in all U.S. states and Canada. However, some states permit minimum coverages, which, while legal, are often not suf-ficient to cover most needs in the event of an ac-cident, injury or total write-off of a vehicle. Its a good idea to meet with your insurance agent regu-larly, perhaps just before each premium period, to go over your policy and understand what it offers, what your state requires and what your personal needs are. Ask about vehicle replacement, car rental after an accident, personal injury liability and gap insurance. Know exactly what you are and are not covered for, and learn your states rules and regula-tions regarding fault/no-fault, uninsured motor-ists, collision and comprehensive coverage and more. The more you know the more proactive you can be if the need arises.


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