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While Memorial Day and Labor Day traditionally bookend the beginning and end of the summer travel season, this year's Labor Day weekend is expected to see 13% fewer travelers than last year. This is expected mainly because of its late date, which occurs after school has already started for many children across the country. "With Labor day falling a week later this year when many children will have returned to school, the decline may more to do with the calendar than with the economy," said AAA President & CEO, Robert L. Darbelnet. According to statistics released this week from AAA, only 39.1 million Americans are expected to take a trip of 50 miles or more away from home, a decrease of 13.3 percent from the 45.1 million travelers who hit the highways last year, even though average national gas prices this season are a full dollar less expensive than they were last year. Last Labor Day weekend, the nationwide average price of self-serve, regular gasoline had dropped to $3.68 per gallon after peaking at an all-time record of $4.11 per gallon on July 17, AAA says. (Remember, that's the nationwide average: In Los Angeles, gas prices reached above $5 per gallon.) This...
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People are often curious about girls and women who love, race, and/or write about cars. I owe my passion for cars (and my career) to my dad. My dad was 23 when I was born; his second child and, all told, his only daughter. He’s called me Baby my whole life. Southern California in the early Sixties was innocent and spacious, and a great place to be during a hot rod heyday. My dad was a machinist, a mechanic, an engineer, a flat track motorcycle racer, and a born-and-bred automotive aficionado and engine builder. He, like most young men, learned about cars from his dad—and I learned about cars from mine. He gave me an appreciation of cars—not just the shiny new ones, but how to take care of them, to make them last and run well. He taught me racecar driver skills, and the importance of maintenance for safety’s sake. As a teenager, he had ’37, ’38, ’39, and 1940 Fords. He put a cam for a hydroplane boat on one and later bought a ’42 Cadillac, which he converted to a hot rod. When he met my mom, he drove a ’53 Lincoln Capri, two-toned yellow and black—not bad for a 21-year old. Buying cars and hot rodding them was what he did, and did often. He found a ’53 Studebaker in the wrecking yard...
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Yes, it is true, there is a week dedicated to more marketing-driven holidays than there are weeks in the year, but Tire Safety Week serves as a great reminder of the importance of tire safety . Where the rubber meets the road is just four contact patches about the size of the palm of your hand. Those contact patches are essential to keep your two-ton vehicle, along with the family and friends onboard, safe. When you think about it, modern tires are rather remarkable. But, tires can’t inspect themselves, nor can they add air. (Read: " Top 5 Misconceptions About Tires .") A project sponsored by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found that about half of surveyed passenger vehicles had at least one under inflated tire. More alarming is that nearly one in five vehicles had at least one significantly under inflated tire that can compromise safety and waste gas. Among the RMA tire pressure survey findings: Only nine percent of vehicles had four properly inflated tires. 50 percent of vehicles had at least one under inflated tire. 19 percent of vehicles had at least one tire under inflated by 8 pounds per square inch (psi.) 26 percent of vehicles had at least one tire under...
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Are you planning a road trip for Memorial Day? According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), as many as 32.4 million motorists will be traveling 50 miles or farther from home this weekend, traditionally the opening of the summer travel season. Because gas prices were so high last summer, many drivers chose to stay home, but at nearly two dollars less per gallon this year, we can definitely expect the roads to be more crowded. In fact, Auto Club predicts the average trip taken by Americans this Memorial Day holiday weekend to be farther than 600 miles! "Last year, soaring gas prices and a deteriorating economy resulted in far fewer trips being taken than had been forecasted," said Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA President & CEO. "The good news is sharply lower gasoline prices and plentiful travel bargains have Americans feeling better about taking a road trip this summer which should help tourism-based economic activity throughout the nation." Regular vehicle maintenance should be a part of your routine, but before you load up your family for your personal pilgrimage, make sure you don't wind up in your own particular version of the Griswold's "Vacation"...
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American motorists are putting significant elbow grease into maintaining their cars, according to a new "Elbow Grease Economics" survey conducted by Harris Interactive and 3M. Based on responses from 1,835 car owners, tightening budgets are driving the trend toward DIY car care . And it is no wonder, with 55 percent stating they will hold on to their current car longer, and more than one-third (34 percent) of car owners feel they have to take better care of their car now because they can't afford a new one. The scariest finding: three percent say they are afraid they might have to live in their car if their home is foreclosed. Nearly one-fifth (19 percent) of car owners used to think they could just go buy a new car if necessary, but now they say they know they can't afford it. This is even higher -- 25 percent -- among Baby Boomers ages 45 to 54, reflecting their concerns over pending retirement and tight household budgets. Good news for the auto industry is that there appears to be a pent-up demand for new cars, as more than two-fifths (42 percent) are considering trading or selling their current car for another model but haven't done so yet. Key reasons include...
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Desperate times often invite unscrupulous opportunists. With car sales shifting to pre-owned models , more than ever shoppers need to be vigilant to ensure cars match their representation. It is common knowledge to look for evidence of repair when inspecting a car, but new research shows that odometer frau d is an increasingly prevalent scam. Harder to detect than bondo, odometer rollbacks have increased 57 percent nationwide over the last four years, according to CarFax. (See our “ Top 10 Tips for Used Car Buying .”) More than 450,000 cases of odometer rollbacks are reported annually, costing consumers more than $1 billion, according to CarFax and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This fraud is not limited to mechanical odometers. In fact, digital odometers can be easier to manipulate than their analog counterparts and evidence of tampering is harder to detect. To avoid buying a rolled back car: Examine the wear on the pedals, steering wheel, floor mats, and seats to make sure they are consistent with the mileage reading. Have a trusted mechanic check the car's computer and inspect the vehicle thoroughly prior to purchase. Consider a Carfax Vehicle History...
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Late October is the perfect time of year to check your vehicle’s cooling system for antifreeze/coolant viability and levels. If you live in cold country and take your car to the dealer or other mechanic for service, make sure they check it for you and use the right antifreeze/coolant for your area’s temperature extremes. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer who’s never done this before, here is some antifreeze advice to help keep your car running—and you out of the cold: Cold, winter weather makes hoses and other pliable materials stiffer and more susceptible to cracking. Be sure to check your car’s hoses and belts while you’re checking your radiator/cooling system. Why do you need to check your cooling system in winter, you might wonder? Antifreeze/coolant—while seeming like a dichotomy—keeps your radiator fluid from freezing up when it’s super cold and from overheating when it’s seriously hot. When either happens, you’re stuck; and, either way, no one wants to be stranded by the side of the road when it’s freezing or frying outside. That said, radiators should be flushed every year or two to maintain optimum system performance—and to prevent a breakdown in bad weather. Wayne Scraba, our Car...
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The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has launched a Green Checkup campaign, empowering local dealers to help customers save gas, reduce emissions, and improve fuel economy through vehicle maintenance. NADA's 10-Point Green Checkup Motor oil. Top off and change oil as necessary with manufacturer-recommended grade, "energy conserving" motor oils. Doing so can improve fuel economy by up to 2 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Replacing conventional oils with synthetics may offer even greater fuel economy benefits. Air filters. Make sure you change your air filter at the end of its recommended lifespan. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve a vehicle's gas mileage by up to 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Engine performance. Enhance fuel economy performance by having engines tuned and spark plugs replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. A single misfiring spark plug can cut fuel economy by up to 4 percent, according to the EPA. Brakes. Improperly maintained brakes can result in unwanted drag. This unnecessary resistance can have the same effect as driving with a foot...
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There has been much banter from the presidential candidates about the role tire inflation plays in fuel economy, and more than a few humorous barbs . No matter which side of the political aisle your views fall, we hope on this issue that you are pro-inflation. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires, according to the Evironmental Protection Agency. Based on EPA calculations, the cost translates to upwards of 12 cents per gallon. There are other less-obvious costs due to low tire pressure, such as reduced road-holding performance, compromised safety, and tire longevity due to wear. Check your tire pressure at least once a month when the tires are cold (not recently used). The recommended pressure is listed in your owner’s manual and on a sticker typically located in the driver’s door jamb—not on the side wall. The tire itself only lists the maximum pressure, not the right pressure for your application. Tires will naturally lose air over time, and seasonal temperature changes will affect the pressure. It is expected the slight, periodic adjustments will be necessary. If a tire is down several psi since it was last checked...
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With a faltering economy and elevated gasoline prices, many households are struggling to make ends meet. Cutting corners may seem like the key to preserving one’s lifestyle, but it is important not to neglect your car. Skimping on routine service may lead to long-term reliability issues that ultimately could cost much more. And a well-tuned car runs at peak efficiency, minimizing fuel consumption. Maintenance is more than a financial concern, it also impacts safety. More than 5 percent of all vehicle accidents result from unperformed vehicle maintenance, according to the Car Care Council. These accidents result in 2,600 deaths, 100,000 disabling injuries, and a financial cost of over $2 billion every year. Below are tips on common maintenance items, with links to articles that can provide more in-depth advice and how-to instruction. Air filter – Much has been written about the benefits of a clean air filter for fuel efficiency , though in reality it would take considerable filth to make a measurable impact. For most drivers, replacing the filter at regular manufacturer-recommended service intervals is a sound routine. Unless you are spending much time on dirt-covered roads or off-roading...
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As summer dawns, the season change is a good reminder to tend to your car’s maintenance needs before depending on it for lengthy road trip. Summer heat takes its toll on cars, being harsher on batteries than winter, stressing the cooling system, wearing the tires, and drying out rubber trim and hoses. Keeping up with the recommended maintenance schedule is a great defense against problems that could become expensive or downright inconvenient, but it is worthwhile conducting your own inspection, as well. Champions of maintenance, The Car Care Council offers these basic tips… Battery – Have the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car’s battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow. Cooling system - The coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should be 50:50. Of course, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir...
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Mazda is treating its RX-8 four-door sports car to a midlife freshening for 2009, updating its appearance and extending the powertrain warranty. The exterior is features restyle front fascia, headlamps, rear bumper, and exhaust outlets. A new five-spoke wheel features a symbolic design reminiscent of the rotary engine. Inside, the center instrument panel design is update, and the tachometer has a variable red zone to indicate engine operating temperature. The cabin is further transformed with a new steering wheel and redesigned front and rear seats. On the performance front, a new R3 sport package delivers enhanced handling reminiscent of the R1 and R2 packages offered on the third-generation RX-7. Key to the performance gains is a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. (Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, reduced NVH, and greater suspension control.) The R3 package declares its potent ability with a unique front bumper, fog lamps, side sills, rear bumper, and 19-inch wheels. It also includes a 300-watt Bose audio system with surround sound and noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free...
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Sales of the consummate gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid reached a milestone mark of more than one million worldwide, Toyota announced today. Since the Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, then in Europe and North America in 2000, total cumulative sales through April 2008 hit 1,028,000 units, with—believe it or not—most units being sold in North America. Toyota says it believes that, compared to emissions of straight gasoline-powered vehicles, this many Prius hybrids on our earth’s roadways have done their eco-friendly part, resulting in a 4.5 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions—that nasty stuff environmentalists and other people who like to breathe believe to be a big cause of global warming. In their quest to build and sell even more fuel efficient vehicles, Toyota also offers other hybrids, such as the Camry and Highlander , and various Lexus models, like the GS 450h and LS 600h sedans and RX 400h luxury crossover SUV. They’re not alone in their efforts, though, as more and more manufacturers are aiming to do the same with their own brand of gasoline/electric hybrid technology, from compact cars to midsize sedans and SUV s.
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The entire 2009 Volkswagen model line will be covered by a no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program that covers scheduled maintenance described in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The maintenance intervals covered under this program and detailed in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet are 10K, 20K, and 30K miles for most 2009 model year Volkswagens. These long service intervals are aided by the use of synthetic oil. Co-developed with Chrysler, the Routan minivan requires services at 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K, and 36K miles. The Carefree Maintenance Program will launch with the introduction of the Tiguan, Volkswagen’s all-new crossover vehicle . Research Volkswagen in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
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As snow storms grabbed headlines this weekend, many drivers found their vehicle lacked the traction necessary to safely transport them to work, school, or the grocery store. While winter's days are counting down, it is clear from the number of roadside mishaps that not everyone was properly prepared. (Check out this Weather Channel video.) Being safe is a combination of the right tires, the right driving techniques, and simply common sense. You may find that the tires that came on your car are perfectly adequate on most days. Do you truly know what the tires are and what conditions they were engineered for? Many drivers think that an M+S (mud and snow) rating stamped on their tires' sidewalls assures decent traction in sloppy conditions. Granted, more-aggressive tread patterns such as those on all-terrain or even mud-terrain truck tires can offer better bad-weather traction compared to some pavement-friendly skins, but tire manufacturers actually engineer tires for specific low-grip conditions. (Learn more about winter tires .) A main difference among winter tires, all-season-tires, and summer tires is the pliability and durability of their rubber at different temperatures....
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