The Allstate Blog » Auto Maintenance

Fluids: The Lifeblood of Your Ride

Joe Campanella, CARCHEX — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:00:14 +0000

Your vehicle has a lot of different fluids running through it to keep it working properly. Keeping an eye on these vital fluids and maintaining them at healthy levels will increase driving performance and help to reduce maintenance costs.

While many car repairs require a skilled professional, maintaining the levels of essential car fluids is easy and possible for even the most automotive repair-challenged drivers. Knowing which fluids you can easily maintain yourself can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run, so consider the following six important car fluids that should be maintained as recommended.

1. Engine Oil

Checking and changing oil is critical to keep your engine running properly and efficiently. Check the oil level with the engine off and the car parked on a level surface. After opening the hood, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag or cloth. Then, return it to the oil reservoir. Take it out again and see if the level is within the acceptable range marked on the dipstick. If you’re adding oil, be sure to not overfill, as this can damage the engine.

Most car manufacturers provide guidelines for changing the lubricant – typically, every 3,000 miles or three to six months.

2. Transmission Fluid

Checking the automatic transmission fluid is another vital item on the car maintenance checklist. Find the transmission fluid dipstick and follow the same steps as monitoring the engine oil, but this time while the engine is running. If the fluid appears brown or has a burnt smell, have it checked immediately.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing transmission fluid, usually about every 30,000 miles.

3. Power Steering Fluid

If you have a power steering fluid reservoir, check the level visually; otherwise, follow the dipstick method. The fluid should stay level, so if you need to add fluid, have it checked as soon as possible for a leak.

Power steering fluid should typically be changed every three years or 50,000 miles.

4. Brake Fluid

Most, if not all, vehicles on the road today have a brake fluid reservoir that allows you to see through so you can check the fluid level without opening the cap. Once you locate the brake fluid reservoir, you will see markings on the side that tell you if you need to add any brake fluid. If your brake pads are starting to wear, the brake fluid level will drop. If the fluid drops below two-thirds full, you may want to have it checked.

5. Coolant

When you check the coolant, make sure your car has had time to cool down. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and eyeball the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators. The engine can be damaged from overheating, so make sure that the reserve tank contains adequate coolant and never allow your car to redline.

Replace most engine coolant or antifreeze every 30,000 miles – or every two to three years. Newer formulas, however, may last up to 50,000 miles.

6. Windshield Washer Fluid

You can check the windshield washer fluid level by looking at the marker on the opaque chamber or by looking into the reservoir. Check the wiper fluid reservoir every week or so and keep it full.

By taking the time to periodically check these fluids, a car will enjoy a healthy and safe level of operation.

Joe Campanella is the EVP of business development at CARCHEX. Headquartered in Hunt Valley, Md.,CARCHEX is the premier provider of Extended Auto Warranties and Mobile Vehicle Inspections. CARCHEX is the preferred partner to the most trusted names in the automotive industry, including Pat Goss of TV’s MotorWeek, Carfax and Kelley Blue Book. You can read their automotive blog here.

4 Ways to Pull a Truck from the Mud

Doug Howlett — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:00:10 +0000

Sometimes, you just can't avoid driving through mud. Whether you're parking in an unpaved lot at a concert venue or pulling off the pavement to go camping, odds are that at some point, you're going to have to navigate some mud and muck. Drive through enough of it, and you’re probably going to get stuck. With tires spinning, mud flying and forward progress halted, what is a driver to do?

Rock It Out

As soon as the truck bogs down to a complete stop, the first thing you should do is put it in reverse, keep your wheels straight and gradually accelerate in an effort to get back where you started from—on solid ground. If the truck has four-wheel drive and you haven’t already locked it in, definitely do so now. If the truck bogs down after going only a short distance in reverse, shift into low gear and power forward as far as you can. If the tires spin, turn the tires side to side in an effort to get the edge of the treads to grip the surface. Increase acceleration gradually, giving it more and more gas as long as you are moving forward. Repeat the back-and-forward process as long as you continue to make progress. Passengers should get out of the vehicle and help push if necessary. This will also reduce the weight of the truck.

Add Traction

Place dry, solid objects beneath the edge of the tire in the direction you want to go (forward or reverse). Some drivers have successfully used floor mats (though, they’ll probably be toast afterwards), but rocks, limbs and boards all make better options. You can also reduce the amount of air pressure in your tires to gain more contact between the ground and the tires’ tread. Offroader.com recommends dropping the pressure to between 18 and 20 pounds per square inch. If the truck is resting on the undercarriage, use the vehicle’s jack to lift the tires off the ground. (Make sure the jack is on a solid surface and never crawl under the vehicle while it’s jacked up.) Once lifted even a few inches, you can slide sticks, boards or other solid items beneath the tires to provide lift and traction.

Winch It Out

If you plan to drive through mud on a regular basis, it is probably wise to outfit your truck with some sort of winch. Even if you don’t have a winch, a come-along or a Hi-Lift jack can be used to pull the vehicle free provided there is a tree or other solid object close enough to attach a recovery strap around. Simply loop the winch cable or recovery strap around the tree and use the power winch, come-along or jack to slowly pull it out of the rut. For safety, place a blanket over the center point of steel winch cables. In the event the cable snaps, the weight of the blanket should keep the cable from whipping into the air, possibly injuring you or damaging the truck.

Pull It Out

Oftentimes, the best and quickest way to get your truck unstuck is to have another truck simply pull you out. Using a webbed recovery strap, attach the strap to both trucks’ tow hitches, frame-mounted tow hooks or the frame itself, as long as you can get to them without putting tension on other, less solid parts of the vehicles. Never attach a strap to a bumper, axles, parts of the suspension or the hitch ball, as these parts can get easily damaged. Once attached, the mobile vehicle should pull most of the slack from the strap, leaving just enough room for the mobile vehicle to get up a little speed before pulling on the stuck one. The mobile vehicle should accelerate gradually—never stomp the gas—and the driver of the stuck vehicle should put it in gear and begin applying gas as the vehicle starts to move. Bystanders should stay two to three car lengths from the vehicles and out of their path of travel in the event the strap breaks or one of the vehicles begins to slide.

Spotlight on Safety: 5 Winter Driving Tips

Allstate Motor Club Car Buying Service Powered by TrueCar — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:00:00 +0000

With Accuweather predicting a cold, snowy winter in theMidwest and Northeast, forecasters say drivers should expect wet weather and low temperatures in the coming months. The following winter driving tips will help prepare you for whatever Jack Frost throws your way this season:

Be Prepared

It's important to be prepared during this time of year, so be sure to keep an emergency kit in your car that contains such necessities as an ice pick; a snow shovel and brush; a basic tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers and a wrench; a bag of traction material like kitty litter or sand; a flashlight with extra batteries; and items to keep you warm, like extra clothes, gloves, hats and Mylar thermal blankets (known as "space blankets"). Finally, make sure your emergency kit contains booster cables and is well stocked with first-aid essentials and nonperishable food items, like granola and energy bars, water, warning flares and reflective triangles. If you don't want to assemble a kit from scratch, you can easily buy already assembled emergency kits online.

Check Your Tires

Your tires are your main connection to the road, so be sure they are inflated properly. Underinflated tires provide less traction, can reduce fuel mileage and can wear out prematurely, so check your pressure at least once a month to ensure you're driving on properly inflated tires. As temps drop, so does the pressure in your tires—typically 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for your vehicle's correct tire pressure on an informative tag within the driver's doorjamb or in your owner's manual. Depending on the conditions in your area, you may want to swap into winter tires; if not, ensure you have a safe tread depth for your road conditions. If rain and wet roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach about 4/32" of remaining tread depth, according to Consumer Reports. Use a quarter to check several tread grooves across each tire. If part ofWashington's head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 4/32" of tread depth remaining. If sleet, slush and snow-covered roads are in your future, replace tires when they reach approximately 6/32" of remaining tread depth to maintain good mobility. To check, place a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is always covered by the tread, you have more than 6/32" of tread depth remaining and should be safe for any sort of winter road conditions.

Remain Calm In a Skid

Be sure to increase following distances on ice and snow so that you have at least eight to 10 seconds (if not more) between yourself and vehicle in front of you; this will give you ample time to respond to road and weather hazards. Practice gentle acceleration and braking to maintain consistent traction in snowy and icy conditions; if your wheels begin to spin, release the accelerator until traction returns. If your vehicle begins to slide or skid, do not panic! Look down the road in the direction you want to go and gently steer in that direction. Do not slam on the brakes, as that will upset the vehicle's balance and make it harder to gain control. If the rear wheels lose traction, continue to steer gently in the direction in which you want to travel to avoid a rear-wheel skid further in the opposite direction. Over-correcting and panic maneuvers can hinder your ability to regain control. If the front wheels lose traction, it will be much harder to steer the vehicle. (Front-wheel skids are most frequently caused by hard braking or acceleration in vehicles equipped with front-wheel drive.) Wait for the front wheels to grip the road again; when traction returns, steer the wheels gently in the desired direction of travel.

Stay in Charge

A strong and fully charged battery is an absolute necessity in cold weather. Extreme temperatures can take their toll on your battery's power, so if your battery is more than 3 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it before Jack Frost sucks out the last of its life. Also, be sure the connections are clean, tight and corrosion-free to ensure full-strength winter starts. Some commercial auto care centers will test your current car battery for free and sell you a new battery, if you need one. Some will also check your vehicle's electrical system to ensure everything is in working order to ensure you will get years of hassle-free starts from your new car battery.

Step up to New Safety Technology

Practically every automaker offers electronic traction and stability control systems that work along with the car's anti-lock braking system to assist drivers in slippery road conditions. Though they all use different trade names, these safety systems all function to help the driver maintain control in curves and turns -- especially in wet or slippery conditions -- by detecting when the vehicle begins to slip and reducing the throttle and applying the brakes to individual wheels to help correct the vehicle's orientation. Traction systems also prevent the vehicle's drive wheels from spinning while accelerating under slippery conditions. If you're considering stepping up to a new car with the latest safety technology, stop by the Allstate Motor Club Car Buying Service, where you can research new cars by trim level and features, find out what others really paid and enjoy a hassle-free experience and excellent customer service from prescreened Program Certified Dealers.

Allstate Motor Club’s Car Buying Service is a free program designed to help you save time and money when purchasing your next vehicle.

5 Tips to Help Keep Your Car on the Road for 10 Years

Joe Campanella, CARCHEX — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:00:58 +0000

What keeps any car going is preventive maintenance. Just like your yearly physical at the doctor's office keeps you in shape, regular preventive car care can help you get more miles out of your vehicle.

Car manufacturers provide recommendations on when to complete maintenance tasks. For instance, most experts recommend checking battery fluid levels four times a year, and an engine’s timing belt should be replaced within 100,000 miles. Find out what your car’s manufacturer recommends and stick to it. Spending a little now can save you from a big expense, and hassle, later on.

Check and replace fluids

There is no type of automotive fluid that lasts forever. Checking and replacing fluids can help keep your vehicle on the road longer as a well-oiled machine. Consider that engine oil usually needs to be changed every 5,000 miles, or every six months; engine coolant needs to be checked twice a year and flushed and replaced as necessary; and transmission fluid needs to be flushed every two years or 30,000 miles.

One that is most consistently overlooked is brake fluid. Brake fluid attracts and absorbs moisture, and over time, it can do a lot of damage to the internal parts of your anti-lock braking system. It should be flushed every two years regardless of mileage. And, don’t forget to flush the power steering and change the differential lubricant, as well.

Slow down and lose the lead foot

Driving gently may help reduce the wear and tear on your car. This means slowing down for bumps or potholes, taking corners at a reasonable speed and avoiding putting your foot to the floor. Driving hard puts more stress and strain on your car’s components. According to the US Department of Energy, it takes 73 percent more horsepower to cruise at 60 mph, and a whopping 159 percent more at 70 mph, than it does at 50 mph. This means your engine is working that much harder and wearing down that much more quickly if you continue to speed.

Also, slowing down may keep your repair costs lower. Increasing your average speed from 50 mph to 60 mph increases maintenance costs by 38 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Increase your speed to 70 mph, and you’ve added 80 percent more in repair costs.

There are also fuel consumption implications: each mile per hour you travel over 50 mph will cause a 1.5 percent increase on fuel consumption, the Department of Energy says. Speed just 10 mph over 50 and you’re wasting 15 percent more gas. That’s several dollars more each time you have to fill up!

Do your homework and buy a reliable car

Overall, cars are getting more reliable, but there is still a wide range of reliability from company to company, model to model, and even between different model years of the same vehicle. When you’re shopping for a new or previously owned car, choose one with a proven track record of reliability. Also, be sure to choose a car company that's going to be around for a while, with a good reputation for supplying parts.

There are many sources that provide this information, such as Kelley Blue Book. So if you’re really interested in getting the most out of your car, choose a reliable model to begin with--not just one that looks good.

Consider an extended warranty

Even by following these four steps perfectly, your car is, unfortunately, not built to last forever. Parts break or wear out, seemingly at the worst possible time. One way to protect yourself from this inevitable circumstance is to invest in an extended warranty for your vehicle. An extended warranty can help ensure that your vehicle is always in the best mechanical condition and can help you avoid expensive repair bills.

Joe Campanella is the EVP of business development at CARCHEX. Headquartered in Hunt Valley, Md., CARCHEX is the premier provider of Extended Auto Warranties and Mobile Vehicle Inspections. CARCHEX is the preferred partner to the most trusted names in the automotive industry, including Pat Goss of TV’s MotorWeek, Carfax and Kelley Blue Book.

Create the Ultimate Car, Frankenstein Style [SLIDESHOW]

Brendan — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:00:58 +0000

Today’s cars and trucks have many capabilities and often cross over traditional concepts of vehicle types. Despite this evolution, many people still want more from their cars. More trunk space, more power, more traction, more…cupholders. While it's admittedly not realistic, it would be nice to have a cartoon-like car that could expand or adapt to fit whatever that day's driving requires. Wouldn’t it be fun to serve as a vehicular Dr. Frankenstein, cobbling together the mismatched parts of your favorite vehicles to assemble the ultimate work of automotive engineering? The resulting car might not be easy on the eyes – it may even attract torch- and pitchfork-wielding townspeople – but you'd have a vehicle that could tackle any driving condition: [slideshow] Considering all the bells and whistles this vehicle would contain, it would likely be a target of car thieves…but they can’t steal what they can’t see. This ultimate car needs ultimate security, and that means stealth…or invisibility. Our Frankenstein car could utilize active-camouflage technology, covering the exterior skin with both cameras and tiny LED lights to project the background image on the near side of the car, rendering it nearly invisible. Just don’t forget where you parked it.

What features would you put in your perfect car?

Protect your 'Frankenstein Car' with proper auto insurance. Learn more about auto insurance coverage in Allstate's Tools & Resources section.

Auto Theft: Is Your Car Safe?

Brendan — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:00:20 +0000

It’s a car owner’s nightmare: You come to the parking spot where you left your prized ride, and it’s nowhere to be found. You search the parking lot, hoping you just forgot where you parked your wheels, but no luck. Your car’s gone. It’s a problem faced in many areas in the U.S., but in some areas, the risk seems to be declining. Two years ago, Laredo, Texas, topped the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s list of vehicle theft hotspots, with more than 1,960 vehicles stolen in 2009. Today, Laredocar thefts have plunged by 53 percent. Laredomirrors a trend sweeping the United States. Thanks to tougher law enforcement and advanced anti-theft security systems, car insurance claims for stolen vehicles are at an eight-year low in the United States. Frank Scafidi, a spokesman for NICB, says that anti-theft devices are a true game-changer. Once only available in luxury cars, today, anti-theft devices are affordable additions to everything from entry-level to luxury cars. Proactive community policing campaigns are also educating drivers about common-sense anti-theft measures. For example, the NICB estimates that half of all stolen vehicles have the driver’s keys in the ignition or unlocked car doors. Car owners may think it’s safe to leave their keys in the ignition while making a quick stop at the ATM or a convenience store, but doing so creates an easy opportunity for would-be car thieves. Community policy programs designed to reduce the number of stolen car insurance claims are reminding drivers to follow common sense when parking their cars. Do you live in a car-theft hotspot? Seven out of the 10 hotspots are in California, and nine of the 10 hotspots are on the West Coast. Follow these three tips to deter vehicle theft.

Lock it, Take it, Hide it: The Insurance Council of Texas’s “Lock, Take, Hide” campaign, along with tougher community policing, is credited with reducing the number of car thefts inLaredo and across the state ofTexas. Whether or not you live inTexas, the campaign’s common-sense advice is an important reminder that small choices can make a big difference in deterring theft. Park in a well-lit area, lock your doors, take your keys and hide your valuables.

Install an anti-theft device. Anti-theft devices stop the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine – preventing would-be thieves from hot-wiring your vehicle. Thanks to technological advancements, many new cars come with anti-theft devices. If your car does not have one, consider having one installed.

Install a tracking device. If your car is stolen, a tracking device like LoJack can help police recover the stolen vehicle. LoJack, which operates in 26 states and theDistrict of Columbia, has a 90 percent success rate for recovering stolen vehicles. Many insurance companies also offer discounts if LoJack or other tracking devices are installed.

You may also want to consider looking into VIN etching which can help to deter car thieves and recover your stolen vehicle.

Is Your Gas Cap on the Left or the Right?

Lindsey — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:00:37 +0000

Last week while driving a rental car, I pulled up at a gas station and experienced the dreaded “Oh no!” moment: I had no idea on which side of my car the gas cap was located. If you’re like me, the initial “Oh no!” is followed by a few moments of awkwardly craning your neck out the window in hopes of seeing (or not seeing) the gas door on the driver’s side. More often than not, however, I guess a side and pull up to the pump – only to back up and circle around when my guess is wrong. Mistaking the gas cap location may seem like a minor inconvenience. But, what if there were a way to always know on which side it were located, without ever exiting the vehicle? Good news: The secret to the gas cap location has been on our dashboards all along. If you are driving a newer car (as many rental cars are), then take a look at the arrow by the gas gauge on your dashboard. Depending on your car, it may look like a triangle pointing to the left or right. What does this mysterious arrow mean? It’s a directional indicator that identifies which side of the vehicle the gas tank is located. For example, if the arrow points to the left, it means the gas cap is located on the left side, so the car should be parked to the right of the gas pump.

Myth Busted

What about in older cars that lack the arrow – can gas gauges tell us on which side the gas cap is located? Older cars still have a gas pump icon located near the gas gauge. The pump icon’s handle either extends to the left or right. So does the handle location indicate which side to pull up next to the gas pump? Unfortunately, this popular Internet rumor has been shot down. Sometimes there is a correlation between the pump handle and the gas cap location, but it appears to be simply coincidence. The side of the handle does not always indicate the side of the gas pump; only the gas gauge arrow does. Not all drivers are satisfied with this explanation of the mysterious gas gauge arrow. Leave it to the Internet conspiracy theorists to think up some crazy ideas about alternative meanings. One Internet rumor claims the arrow will light up if a car is driven a certain distance since it was last fueled. Supposedly, this is a way for rental car companies to determine how “full” the gas tank really is. Sorry, folks, but there’s no truth behind that rumor. Consumer Reports senior engineer Tom Mutchler confirms that the arrow is, in fact, a gas cap indicator. Unfortunately, even knowing the gas tank location can’t always make your visit to the gas station more pleasant. With the national average gas price steadily climbing, drivers are experiencing pain at the pump this year. According to GasBuddy.com, prices are on the rise again after a brief respite earlier this summer. With the national average gas price hovering just above $3.50 per gallon, I wish that I knew the secret to cheaper gas prices, too. But, while the prices stay high, you can help to stretch out the distance between pit stops by taking some simple steps to increase your gas mileage. Did you know what the gas gauge arrow meant? What symbols or controls on your car remain mysteries?

How To Spot A Shady Auto Mechanic

Jody DeVere, AskPatty.com — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:00:30 +0000

Learn the signs of a dishonest car shop and avoid getting scammed when you go in for repairs

Taking a car to a new repair shop is an exercise in trust. But, unfortunately, not all car mechanics are as honest as they should be. We all know the stereotype: grease-soaked coveralls, tobacco-filled mouth, oily cap (worn backwards), filthy hands. Finding a good car mechanic can be a grueling task. To help you weed out the good from the bad, we've compiled a list of things to look out for when you take your car in for repairs. If your mechanic starts raising any of these red flags, it's probably time for a second opinion.

Watch for the Scare Factor. When a mechanic says things like “I wouldn't drive this car another mile” or employs other scare tactics to discourage you from leaving the lot, it's probably a good idea to do just that. After all, the car got you there; it'll likely make it down the street to another garage.
Look for Certifications. ASE certification, or seals of certification from ASA, AAA and other auto industry groups should be prominently displayed in a reputable shop. These seals inspire a sense of trust and tell you that the shop owner takes his reputation seriously. If you don't see these kinds of certifications on display, ask why.
Question, Question, Question! Ask how long they've been in business. Ask for alternate recommendations. Ask about the equipment. Any mechanic who says “I don't need fancy equipment” should be avoided. Go ahead: Ask, ask, and ask. A reputable mechanic will have the answers.
Get It In Writing. Never sign a blank work authorization form. Always get a written estimate before you put your mechanic to work. And don't forget to ask about warranties! Any decent mechanic should guarantee his work.
Don't Do Double Labor. If a mechanic is going to charge two labor costs, ask how long the total job will take. Some will charge you double labor even though they can essentially perform both tasks at the same time.
Ask for Your Old Parts Back. This seems frivolous, but getting back your old parts will ensure that they were indeed replaced—and in need of replacement in the first place.
Don’t Take No for an Answer. No, your check engine light shouldn't be on all the time. And it isn't “probably a loose gas cap.” Any mechanic who shrugs off an indicator like this should be dropped—fast. If the check engine light is on, there's a reason. And you should find out what it is.
Don't Fall for the Flush. We see this one all the time. Coolant flushes and power steering flushes are commonly offered by quick lube shops and touted as necessary repairs. But check your owner's manual: Chances are your fluid was designed to go 100,000+ miles without needing a flush. Also, fuel injectors never need to be cleaned by a mechanic (there are additives for that). This falls under the category of car care you can do yourself.
Consult Your Dealer! Sometimes, a faulty part will be covered by a warranty or recall, and can be repaired by the dealership for free. Run a check before you give a mechanic the go ahead.
Do Your Homework. Shop around. Get a second opinion. Hey, Google it! Just because a mechanic shows you metal shavings from your transmission doesn't mean it's done for. (Those metal filings are probably a result of normal wear.) A little bit of due diligence will help keep you safe, your car in tip-top shape, and those shady mechanics at bay.

Guest blogger Jody DeVere is the CEO of AskPatty.com Inc, a website, blog and marketing agency providing automotive education to female consumers.

VIN Etching: Deter Car Thieves and Recover Your Stolen Vehicle

Brendan — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:00:01 +0000

It’s not uncommon for us to put our names on things that are important to us. Since childhood, everything from homework assignments to a baseball mitt may have received a John Hancock so that ultimately, it could be traced back to its owner. In much the same fashion, labeling your car, truck or SUV with its vehicle identification number (VIN) is an effective tool when it comes to theft prevention. A common and cost-effective method for doing this is known as VIN etching. The Tucson Sentinel reports that VIN etching is achieved by using a chemical solution to mark each of your car’s windows with its VIN. The process will not damage your windows, and it does have a long-lasting effect.

By making your VIN noticeable in multiple places, your car becomes more difficult for thieves to sell.

California Highway Patrol Capt. Lisa Wrobel shared, “When cars are stolen, a lot of times the crooks will change the VIN and to do it on all the windows on all the vehicles is very expensive and takes a lot of time.” As a result, car thieves are more likely to move onto an easier target when they see a car with its VIN etched into the windows. In addition to making your car more difficult to sell, VIN etching also makes its parts less valuable if it’s dismantled at a chop shop. El Paso,Texas’ KTSM NewsChannel 9 reports that vehicles are worth twice as much if they’re parted out rather than sold whole, and since shops won’t buy etched parts, VIN etching can put a serious dent into a car thief’s profits.

Stealth vs. Shrill

In contrast with overly-sensitive car alarms that could go off without cause, window etching is also a relatively stealthy form of theft prevention. The Michigan State Police point out that VIN etching is virtually unnoticeable to passers-by since the mark is typically one-quarter of an inch high by 2 inches wide. However, car thieves and police officers know where to look for VIN etching on a vehicle. The state says that VIN etching is an economical source of theft prevention that not only makes your car less attractive to thieves, but also offers traceable numbers if your car is stolen.

With your car’s VIN discretely etched into the windows, it will be easier for police to recover if it’s stolen, but it will also be much less attractive to car thieves.

While car dealerships will frequently offer window etching to car buyers, you don’t necessarily need to pony up extra cash when you’re buying a car to add this extra level of defense. It’s worth checking with your local police department, which may offer the service for free or schedule events where etching is offered. Alternatively, do-it-yourself VIN etching kits are available from a number of retailers online.

High-Mileage Cars: Is 200,000 the new normal?

Brendan — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 10:00:51 +0000

In the 1960s and 1970s, many automobile odometers did not even read beyond 99,999 miles. Hit 100,000, and the odometer turned back to zero. But now, thanks to tougher quality standards and post-recession financial concerns, Americans are driving their cars longer than ever before and high-mileage cars are the rule, not the exception. Is 200,000 miles the new 100,000 miles? Consider Porsche salesman Mark Webber. While selling new sports cars every day for a living, Webber still drives his 1990 Volvo to work, despite having more than 300,000 miles on the car. “I just can’t see the point of spending a lot of money driving a newer, racier car every day in city traffic when my old Volvo just wants to keep on going,” Webber told the New York Times. Webber has plenty of company. While Americans once prided themselves on driving the latest and greatest car, a shift in spending habits following the recession has more Americans than ever before working to extend the life of their cars. A recent survey by the automotive research firm R.L. Polk & Co found that the typical car buyer keeps a new vehicle for 71.4 months, an increase of nearly 18 months since 2006.

This shift corresponds with a change in Americans’ attitudes toward automobiles. Cars, once synonymous with an individual’s identity, are no longer as important to today’s millennial generation.

David Champion, the senior director of Consumer Reports, says that in the past, “[People] would sell the car at 60,000 miles to get some residual value out of it. Nowadays, 100,000 miles is only halfway through the life of the car.” In fact, used car prices are rising as recession-savvy buyers look to keep spending down while getting the biggest bang for their buck. The life expectancy of cars has steadily increased since the 1970s. A generation ago, many parts simply fell off a car at the end of their life cycle. Cars produced in the 1960s and 1970s were also more susceptible to rust and corrosion, so engines and transmission simply stopped working by 100,000 miles. Now, thanks to greater quality control and technology advancements, today’s automobiles meet strict requirements for anticorrosion standards. Gas mileage for cars is also an important factor -- as mileage increases, it's difficult to justify a new purchase. And carmakers intend their cars to say on the road for a long time. For example, Hyundai and Kia now include 100,000 miles/10 year powertrain warranties with their cars. Is your car approaching 100,000 miles and you hope to double that? These three tips will help keep your car on the road well past the 100,000-mile mark.

Drive gently.

Aggressive driving, hard stops and starts, and rapid accelerating or decelerating not only hurt your fuel economy, but these rough driving also adds unnecessary wear and tear to your car. Think about your morning commute: do you race to every stoplight, weaving in and out of traffic? Curbing your need for speed can help keep your car running longer.

Keep it clean.

A good wash will not only help high mileage cars sparkle, but it will also remove excess road tar and salt. This is especially important during winter months when salt residue from wintery roads can cause undercarriage corrosion. Regular waxing protects the paint job and resists rust.

Don’t ignore the check engine light.

Many drivers, myself included, enter a guilty state of denial when our check engine light turns on. Weeks turn into months, and the check engine light is still shining. If you have an older car, it’s essential to get the light checked out right away. It may be indicative of a serious problem with the transmission, timing belt or engine. Prompt attention can save your car from serious damage – and save you the headache and expense of having your car towed to the mechanic. When you're putting all those miles on your car, you don't want to overspend on gas. To find out the gas prices in your area, visit Allstate.com’s Gas Price Locator.