APRIL 2012 | A SPECIAL PUBLICATION BY

ROAD SAFETYWhether off or on the road,

safe ty should come f ir s t .

CONSUMERTIPS

Things to cons ider before making a b ig purchase .

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

Learn how to g ive your vehi cle the care i t needs .

Page 2 Spring On The Road, The Advertiser, April 25, 2012

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Account nAme: cAr knAck Ad SIZe: 2x3

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The economy might be slowly recovering, but saving money is still foremost on the minds of many people. Men and women have looked to save money in a variety of ways, including at the gas pump. While there’s little drvivers can do to reduce the cost of a gallon of gas, there are ways they can make the gas last a little longer.

Improving fuel economy is nothing new to many motorists, but some might still be surprised at the myriad ways they can get more bang for their buck with regards to fuel costs.

* Don’t break the law. Obeying the speed limit might save your life, and it can also save you money. Typically, fuel economy decreases rapidly as a car reaches and surpasses 60 miles per hour. According to the U.S. Department of Safety, drivers can assume that each five miles per hour they drive over 60, they are paying an additional $0.26 per gallon for gas.

* Empty the trunk. Though it might be more convenient to keep your golf clubs in the trunk of your car, extra and unnecessary cargo in a vehicle’s trunk drastically reduces fuel economy. An extra 100 pounds in a vehicle can reduce miles per gallon by as much as 2 percent, so keep a trunk free of items that aren’t absolutely necessary.

* Stop idling. Many people let their car idle for several minutes on cold mornings. But today’s newer vehicles don’t really need to idle to warm up, and idling can be very taxing on fuel economy. Depending on the size of the car, idling can use between a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour. If you still insist on letting the vehicle idle, a few seconds of idling should be enough to warm the engine up.

* Embrace cruise control on long drives without lots of stopping and starting. Maintaining

a constant speed, which a vehicle does when drivers utilize cruise control, can help save fuel, as it’s less taxing on an engine to continue at one speed then it is to constantly switch back and forth between high and low speeds.

* Inflate the tires. Poorly inflated tires lower gas mileage and also pose a safety hazard. The DOE notes that properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by as much as 3 percent. Ideal tire pressure is different for each vehicle, so check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended tire pressure. Some vehicle manufacturers also include the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle itself, be it in the driver’s side door jamb or in the vehicle’s glove compartment. Tire pressure printed on the tire’s sidewall might not be the ideal tire inflation for your particular vehicle, so always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation instead.

* Drive the car you need, not the car you want. Drivers who truly need to save money at the pump should consider the type of vehicle they’re driving, and whether it’s the car they need or the car they want. For instance, office workers who own a pickup truck but don’t use it to haul items might want to consider a smaller vehicle that gets better gas mileage.

Improving fuel efficiency is a great way for motorists to save money and reduce the expenses associated with vehicle ownership.

Simple ways to improve fuel economy Rotating tires is something that many

people do religiously while others put off the task until they notice a problem with the car’s performance. An important component of vehicle upkeep, rotating tires not only extends the life of the tires, but it also helps ensure safer driving.

There are some who are unfamiliar about how and when to rotate the tires and the benefits this routine maintenance can provide. This also could be a factor in why people procrastinate on tire rotation.

One may not realize that the front tires often bear the brunt of the work in vehicle operation. Making turns or parallel parking requires the force of the front tires. Vehicles that are front-wheel-drive have front tires that supply the main motive power for the vehicle, according to Edmunds.com. The frequent use and requirements of the tires produces friction on the road, and eventually heat. The front tires wear more quickly than the rear tires. In order to extend the life of the tires, drivers must periodically rotate them.

Tire rotation essentially means moving the front tires to the rear and vice-versa. This means the front passenger side tire will be moved to the back passenger side position. The same thing will occur on the driver’s side. There’s a reason for this. Tires have unique wear patterns that are related to the suspension and the alignment. Should you switch the tires in a criss-cross pattern, it could affect the alignment and lead to a bumpy ride.

These scenarios can depend on the

vehicle and the tire, however. Certain vehicles have tires of different sizes in the rear and front, which prevents front-to-back rotation. There are also cars that have tires that are unidirectional, where they are specific to one side of the car and asymmetrical, with a tread pattern that changes from the inside of the tire to the outside. Though these tires are rare, you can’t rotate them at all.

Tire rotation is adviseable to preserve balanced handling, traction and even outer tire wear. But how often should it be done? Many tires should be rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, even if they don’t show signs of wear. Some service stations will do tire rotation at the same time that oil changes are done because the car is already on a lift.

Don’t expect tire rotation to correct wear problems due to worn mechanical parts or as the result of improper inflation pressure. Rotation is not the only tire maintenance task to do to ensure safe tires.

Consult with a service station to determine the best pattern for rotating your tires and the ideal time interval between rotations.

Learn the proper way to rotate tires

Spring On The Road, The Advertiser, April 25, 2012 Page 3

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(MS) -- The return of warm weather marks the return of road trips for millions of motorists across the country. Whether going to the beach or heading off to parts unknown, hitting the open road with the windows down is a time-honored tradition for drivers of all ages.

But such road trips can prove disastrous if drivers don’t take the right steps to prepare their vehicles for spring and summer travel. The following are a few ways motorists can ensure their car is ready to tackle the open road.

* Tighten things up. Loose parts, such as exhaust clamps, license plates, and interior trim panels, can create rattles and cause parts to get damaged or fall off. What’s more, rattling sounds can be a noisy nuisance for drivers and passengers alike. Permatex Threadlockers can be used to keep the nuts and bolts from coming loose and save parts replacement costs. They also have a threadlocker for plastic fasteners, which vehicle manufacturers have grown to rely on more and more.

* Wash your car. A newly washed car not only looks good, but it’s often much safer as well. Take your car to a car wash a few days before the trip and have the vehicle thoroughly cleaned. A thorough cleaning will remove dirt and grime from the vehicle’s undercarriage, not to mention unsightly bird droppings and water spots or salt stains leftover from winter.

* Fix foggy headlight lenses. Many spring and summer road trippers travel at night so their days can be spent soaking up some sun at the beach or lake. Before heading off for parts unknown, motorists should inspect their headlight lenses to reduce risk of accident. If the lenses are yellowed and foggy, that’s likely because salt, ozone and road debris has dulled them to a point where vision can be impaired, placing

drivers and their passengers at risk. But foggy lenses don’t mandate an expensive headlight replacement. In fact, The Permatex Lens Renew Kit makes it easy to clean up and polish dull headlight lenses and restore them to like new condition, improving your car’s lighting and driver visibility.

* Check the battery. Over time, battery terminals and cables will start to corrode. Such corrosion will eventually eat away at the battery’s parts, creating a bad connection that sooner or later will require the battery be replaced. Check the battery before your trip and remember to clean the battery periodically as part of routine vehicle maintenance.

* Address windshield nicks and bullseyes. Nicks and chips in the windshields are a common problem regardless of the season. But such damage is most prevalent in the winter because of the extra debris that’s on the road. These nicks and cracks need to get fixed as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading and resulting in the need for a windshield replacement. Oftentimes, motorists can address nicks and bullseyes in their own driveways in a matter of minutes. For example, the Permatex Bullseye Windshield Repair kit is tailor made for do-it-yourselfers, requiring no heating or mixing while ensuring each repair is virtually undetectable.

More information on easy repairs that you can do yourself can be found at www.permatex.com.

On the road againReady your car for spring and summer travel

Page 4 Spring On The Road, The Advertiser, April 25, 2012

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Today’s drivers rely heavily on GPS technology, or global positioning system devices. GPS has revolutionized the way people drive and use maps and directions.

While there are no hard statistics on the number of people who own GPSdevices, thousands of people have either a GPSdevice that comes pre-equipped in a car that they purchased or a stand-alone device that was bought after the fact. These devices come pre-loaded with maps that work with satellites in space. The GPS receiver figures out the distance to each and uses this information to deduce the location of the device in a process called trilateration.

GPS devices have made paper maps obsolete for many people. While GPS devices can be very convenient, especially on road trips, there are

some tips to keep in mind.* Place the GPSdevice where it won’t

obstruct your vision or take your eyes off of the road for a good deal of time.

* Don’t treat the GPS as if it is infallible. Even with map updates and other accessories, a GPS can still make mistakes. Use common sense, especially where it would seem the GPS is guiding you in the wrong way.

*Do not play with the controls while operating the car. If you need to adjust something on the GPS, do so only after pulling over to a safe area.

* Have a general idea where you are going so you’ll know if the GPS is potentially guiding you in the wrong direction and can maneuver in advance.

GPS usage tipsAuto insurance is necessary for anyone who drives.

Though some places allow motorists to drive without insurance, doing so is an unnecessary risk, one that could prove costly should an accident occur.

When purchasing auto insurance, many drivers hope to save as much money as possible. That’s understandable, as many drivers go years without ever filing a claim, giving some the feeling that they’re paying for something they will never use. However, when an accident does occur, paying for those premiums proves well worth it.

While it’s important to get the best rates and not overpay for auto insurance, there’s more to shopping for auto insurance than simply finding the cheapest policy. The following are a few things drivers should consider when shopping for a new auto insurance policy.

* Determine the amount of coverage you need. How much auto insurance coverage a driver needs depends on what the local law requires. Some areas, including densely populated cities with more drivers on the road, tend to require more coverage than others because the risk of accident is greater. In addition, some places require all motorists purchase personal injury protection, or PIP, which pays for a driver’s medical expenses as well as any lost wages or additional costs that occur as a result of an accident. PIP is not required everywhere, but motorists should weight its pros and cons if they live in a region where PIP is not mandatory.

The amount of coverage a driver needs is relative, but Consumer Reports recommends adequate coverage for bodily injury liability is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, and an additional $100,000 for property damage.

For drivers leasing or financing a vehicle, the leasing or financing agreement will typically spell out the minimum coverage required, and drivers can choose to increase that coverage if they feel it’s necessary.

* Explore payment options. Drivers who want to reduce their insurance costs without reducing coverage

should explore their payment options. In many instances, drivers who choose to make annual or bi-annual payments instead of monthly installments can save some money is so doing. If your current insurance provider does not offer such an alternative, then shop around for a company that does.

* Re-examine your driving history. Speeding and traffic tickets might sting initially, but they will disappear from your record over time. When shopping for auto insurance, re-examine your driving record. In the United States and Canada, accessing these records can typically be done by contacting the local branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles. If an old speeding or traffic ticket is close to being removed from your record, wait until those disappear before purchasing a new policy.

* Shop around. Drivers often lament paying so much for auto insurance, a safety net few drivers use but all must pay for. Despite that, many motorists continue to overpay for their insurance because the popular misconception is that shopping for a better policy is inconvenient and tedious. But the Internet has made it much easier for consumers to shop for a better auto insurance policy. When shopping for quotes online, have your vehicle registration and identification number as well as your driver history on hand so the quote is as accurate as possible. Print out each quote and then compare them to find the best deal. If another company is offering a deal significantly better than your existing policy, discuss that with your current provider, who might match the rate to keep you as a policy holder.

* Shop for discounts. Another thing to consider when shopping for an auto insurance policy is the availability of discounts. Many companies reward policy holders for good behavior, such as driving without an accident and earning good grades in school. Other companies even offer a one-time accident amnesty, forgiving drivers for their first accident by not raising their rates when an accident occurs. These discounts can add up to substantial savings over the course of the policy, so do your homework.

Things to consider before buying auto insurance

Spring On The Road, The Advertiser, April 25, 2012 Page 5

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(MS) -- A clean windshield is an asset in all seasons. As we finish wiping away the last remnants of snow and ice, we get ready to deal with the heavy downpours of spring; and then, depending on where we live, for the dust blowing on a hot, dry summer’s day. And, of course, there is always the dirt that flies in from the road, construction areas and dry fields. Throw in a jumble of dead bugs and you can see why keeping your car’s windshield clean in all seasons will help enhance your safety and driving comfort all year round.

“No matter what the weather, the moment you sit behind the wheel of a car, the first thing you want is a clear view of the road -- with this need for clear vision becoming increasingly acute in snow, ice, rain, or dusty conditions,” said Makoto Takatsuka, Senior Product Manager, Wiping Systems for Bosch, the world’s largest supplier of wiper blades to vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. (www.boschautoparts.com)

In its own way, every season poses a challenge for a car’s wiper blades. Take for instance, a freezing winter’s day when your windshield is covered in ice and snow. The wiper blades tend to get clogged, and get stuck to the glass, making it a struggle to pry them away from the windshield and get them back into doing their job.

On the other hand, in the summer months, exposure to heat and ozone can cause the wiping element to crack and break apart. Plus, the dirt, bugs and other debris that splatter on the windshield may melt and stick, making it harder for the wipers to clean evenly without

streaks and chatter. Heavy spring rains can reduce visibility and compromise safety even more.

According to Takatsuka, to help overcome the challenges of adverse weather conditions, Bosch developed the ‘beam,’ or ‘flat,’ wiper blade design which completely eliminates the conventional bracketed support structure and uses tension spring arcing technology to create a custom fit contoured to the curvature of the driver and the passenger sides of the windshield. Oftentimes, the curvature is not the same on both sides.

The premium Bosch ICON(TM) wiper blade is a beam blade designed to function equally well in all weather conditions -- extreme cold, sleet, snow, heat, strong winds or heavy rain. ICON’s dual tension springs are housed in a flexible, asymmetrical aerodynamic spoiler that increases the downforce to keep the blade hugging the windshield even at highway speeds.

“Bosch ICON offers up to 40 percent longer life than other premium ‘beam’ blades on the market,” said Takatsuka. “Furthermore, ICON’s flexible fx dual rubber wiping element resists heat and ozone deterioration and helps maintain flexibility all year round. And, with no external steel brackets, springs, or partitioned plastic spoilers, ICON doesn’t clog with ice and snow in winter either.”

Result? A clean windshield and better overall wiping performance help to make driving safer -- in all kinds of weather. More information is available at www.boschautoparts.com.

A Clean Windshield Contributes To Safe Driving In All Seasons

(MS) -- The average age of a personal vehicle on the road today is more than 11 years, according to recent news reports. In tough economic times, it’s natural to rein in spending. But the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) warn that putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring service intervals is false economy. Small issues can morph into more expensive repairs. For example, failure to replace worn brake pads or a faulty oxygen sensor -- both relatively easy services for qualified auto technicians -- can result in expensive brake rotor service or costly replacement of the vehicle’s catalytic converter.

Frequently neglected items include oil changes, tire and brake service, wheel alignment, air and fuel filters, and transmission service, according to ASE-certified auto technicians.

Besides, a well-maintained vehicle gets better gasoline mileage, pollutes less, is safer to operate, and lasts longer than one that’s neglected, notes ASE.

To help consumers choose a repair shop that fits their needs, ASE offers the following checklist:

* Look for a neat, well-organized

facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.

* Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions.

* Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.

* Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.

* Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community, or customer service awards.

* Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE.

* Look for the ASE sign or logo; it means the shop employs nationally certified technicians.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization

dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair

through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians.

ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for seasonal car care advice and more.

Advice from the Pros: Do Not Neglect Auto Service

Page 6 Spring On The Road, The Advertiser, April 25, 2012

AUTO INSURANCE

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Building Stronger CommunitiesAuto-Preferred & SR22’s • Home Owners • Renters

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Elizabeth (Betsy) Jones, CPIW, LUTCF, DAE- Agent

1001 S. Douglas Hwy., Ste. 184

682-6520

ADVERTISER PROOF APPROVALProofs are for typographical errors only.

It will be assumed that the ad is “OK AS IS” if no reply or response is given.

OK AS IS OK wITh nOTED chAngES REVISED PROOF

Approved By: _______________________________ dAte Approved: __________Account nAme: fArmers union insurAnce Ad siZe: 2x6 coLor: none

run dAte: 2010 cAr cAre guide Ad representAtive: sue

ejones@vcn.com

Space is often at a premium when transporting children in a car. Safety seats tend to be cumbersome and take up a lot of the seat room in a vehicle. In most areas, law mandates some sort of safety seat is necessary until a child is 8 or 9 years old and meets a certain weight maximum. That can mean many years of squeezing the kids into the car, or missing out on carpool opportunities due to safety seats. But a new category of inflatable safety seats could change the way many drivers view car and booster seats.

Products like GoBooster(R) and BubbleBum(R) were the invention of innovators in Europe who have now

brought their creations to North America. There are also many other brands still being produced in Europe, including the Luftikid(R). Inflatable booster seats are lightweight and durable. They often weigh less than 2 pounds. Plus, they inflate and deflate quickly, making these seats the ultimate in portable options.

There’s no need to worry about safety, either. In ordered to be sold in the United States and Canada, any type of child safety seat must be rigorously crash tested to comply with strict vehicle safety standards. With a smaller profile, these seats can also save room in a vehicle, preventing the need to upsize to a larger truck or van.

Did you know? The debate may continue as to whether a car still

needs its oil changed every 3,000 miles or if motorists can extend that figure to more than 5,000 miles. In addition to how frequently oil needs to be changed, drivers also must decide where to go for an oil change.

Customers have different choices when it comes to oil changes. Some don’t mind getting a little messy and choose to change their oil right at home. There are also lube stations that specialize strictly in oil changes. Then there is the option of having the oil changed at a dealership service station.

As with any decision, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision. According to the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act of 1975, routine service can be done anywhere and will not void your warranty. Regular warranty work only has to be done by the dealer. Unless a dealership can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that damage was caused by a vehicle owner or a third-party lube station, then the warranty will remain valid.

DealershipThere are certain reasons a person may want to go to

a dealership to have an oil change. It is typical of dealer service stations to train their mechanics in the specific design of the automobiles they are servicing. That means they’ll have first-hand knowledge and be familiar with the design of the engine and the characteristics of the make and model of the car better than anyone else. This can give drivers peace of mind that they are getting the right parts and that the service work is being done in accordance with their service warranty.

Some dealerships also offer service plans that discount the cost of oil changes if done at the dealer service station. This service package might even be part of a finance deal, so the cost of the oil changes could already be paid for. The oil changes may be done in conjunction with other service work, including tire rotation.

Third-party stationOne of the main advantages to using a private lube-

type company is that they are usually less expensive than services provided by a dealership. Quick lube stations typically have access to manufacturers’ data to ensure the correct type of oil and filter are used. Larger companies may have an extensive training program that goes over the latest technology and the models of cars.

Another benefit to a lube station is that an appointment is not always necessary, which may not be the case with a dealership. With a number of service bays and substantial staff on hand, there also could be a shorter wait time, which is a boon to busy individuals.

Self-serviceDoing an oil change at home is obviously the most

cost-effective option. But it’s the most labor-intensive as well. You also will need to have specific tools for the job, as well as 5 to 6 quarts of motor oil on hand.

Jacking up the car to have access to the underside of the engine will be necessary so that you can reach the engine pan plug to drain the old oil. Wrenches as well as buckets to drain the oil are other tools to keep on hand.

Used motor oil is not something that can simply be tossed in the trash or poured down a drain. It must be carefully contained and recycled to avoid harming the environment.

Because of the work involved in an oil change at home, many people opt to have it done elsewhere. Remember, while there are many places that are qualified, it’s up to the driver to decide where to go.

Weighing the options of oil change locations

Spring On The Road, The Advertiser, April 25, 2012 Page 7

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(MS) -- Over the last several years, homeowners have increasingly emphasized clean air in their homes. The growing popularity of home air purifiers suggests today’s homeowners want to make certain the environment inside their home is as healthy as possible.

While protecting the environment in a home is important, it’s equally as important for motorists to maintain a healthy environment in their vehicles. The average American spends roughly 10 to 15 hours per week inside a car, where dust, odors, smoke and other potentially sour smells can make riding in a car rather unpleasant. In addition, air pollution and allergens inside a vehicle can pose a significant health risk to drivers and their passengers. Fortunately, there are several steps drivers can take to maintain a healthy environment inside their vehicle.

* Improve air quality. Perhaps the best way drivers can ensure their passengers have a healthy environment while traveling in a car is to improve the air quality within the vehicle. The GoPure Automotive Clean Air System from Philips quickly and effectively purifies the air inside a vehicle by eliminating harmful gases, dust,

pollen, smoke, odors, and bacteria. Employing a 3-stage filtering process, the GoPure system, which can be easily placed beneath a seat, in the rear of the vehicle or on a seatback, captures big particles, such as human hair and pet hair, during the pre-filter stage before the HEPA filter removes these particles and others, including pollen and pet dander. In the final stage, GoPure’s

advanced HESA filter removes harmful gases and even bad odors, such as those caused by smoke, ensuring the vehicle’s interior is not only healthy, but also pleasant for drivers and passengers alike.

* Clean the vehicle’s interior. Many automobile owners pay particular attention to the appearance of their

vehicle’s exterior. However, those same drivers don’t spend nearly as much time, if any, tending to the vehicle’s interior. But a neglected interior doesn’t just fall victim to spills and dirt or other particles brought in from the outside. Over time, a neglected interior might begin to grow mildew, which is both unhealthy and unpleasant. In general, clean the vehicle’s interior once a month to prevent mildew growth and the buildup of dirt and grime.

* Don’t fall in love with the “new car smell.” Few consumers can resist the famed “new car smell.” Though enticing, the new car smell is actually an outgassing of toxic chemicals from newly formed plastics, and the chemicals in these gases have been linked to birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births, and early puberty in laboratory animals. Though this doesn’t mean consumers should avoid buying new cars, it should inspire consumers to address the new car smell immediately. GoPure’s HESA filter can easily and effectively remove the harmful gases that stem from the new car smell, while continuously removing additional odors as the car ages.

* Vacuum carpets, floor mats and between seats. Carpets and seating are another collection point for dirt and pollutants and need to be vacuumed thoroughly. Make sure to get the floor mats, the floor under the floor mats and all the way under the seats. Pound your seats with something large like a baseball bat to loosen and knock out all the dirt and soil that has settled into the creases and stitching.

* Protect newer vehicles on hot days. Hot weather can take its toll on drivers, and it can also wreak havoc on their vehicle’s interior. Heat from the sun can cause the vehicle’s plastics, vinyl or leather parts to emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, can produce both short-term and long-term adverse health effects. Whenever possible, park in the shade or use a sun shade on the windshield. In addition, slightly opening the windows in spring and summer promotes air flow through the cabin, helping reduce the risk of VOC buildup inside the vehicle.

More information about the GoPure Automotive Clean Air System from Philips is available at www.philipsgopure.com or 800-257-6054.

How to maintain a healthy environment inside your vehicle

The GoPure Automotive Clean Air System fromPhilips purifies air

within a vehicle, creating a healthier environment for drivers and passengers

alike.

Page 8 Spring On The Road, The Advertiser, April 25, 2012

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