Driving slowly and cautiously is good advice, but the Car Care Council reminds motorists of other cold weather tips. The first and most important is to be proactive. That means making sure you’re car is mechanically sound before the temperature dips and the streets get icy.

Engine and cooling system
First, if you’re a Do-It-Yourselfer, get under the hood. Otherwise, visit your friendly automotive technician. Winter only magnifies existing problems like pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling, so make certain the engine is in peak condition.

Check the cooling system, too. Coolant should be flushed and refilled every 2 years. Your folks will not necessarily know this, so don’t wait for their nod on this one.

Oil change
Check the owner’s manual to see if your driving habits are considered to be “severe service.” This type of driving requires more frequent oil changes, warns the Council. Have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 3-5,000 miles. For less wear and tear on the engine, drivers in cold climes (sub-zero driving temperatures) should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30. Your mom and dad would probably suggest simply moving to someplace warmer.

Four other musts
The battery and exhaust system are other “must check” items. These should be examined using professional equipment. Make certain the heater/defroster are working properly and keep the gas tank full. In addition to staying ready for the road, a full fuel tank decreases the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

Exterior concerns
Now for the outside of the vehicle: tires, lighting and wipers. Both tire tread and tire pressure should be checked weekly. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.

Lights should be inspected regularly. Check to see that bulbs are illuminated, and headlights are properly aimed.

Finally, replace wiper blades every six months. Consider special snow blades if the weather dictates.

Emergencies
Even the most meticulously maintained vehicle can develop problems on the road, especially during inclement weather. That’s when it pays to be prepared for an emergency.

Tapping the Trunk
Use that big space for something more than a spare tire (which, incidentally should be properly inflated, just in case). Pack items that would be needed if you got stranded for a several hours. A cell phone (with a car charger) is a good start. Also include the following: ice scraper, windshield de-icer, flashlight, whisk broom, blanket, extra clothes, candle/matches, bottled water, snacks, needed medication.

Given that the brake system is the most critical element of car safety, it’s hard to imagine that 50 million cars on the road today have brakes with potential for accident-causing failures.

Over half of the complaints registered by the NHTSA (National Highway Safety Administration) concern brake systems and brake related accidents.  Total costs for these mishaps are almost $3 billion a year.

These statistics are staggering, yet no federal safety standards currently exist for replacement brake parts.

Why?
The problem is brake manufacturers do not have to comply with the performance specifications of the original car you bought from a dealer.

And, specifications are vital because they affect other elements of vehicle safety.  Important elements, too, such as steering, suspension, alignment, handling and tire wear.

Today, brake systems are technologically advanced and sensitive to damage, wear and tear.  It’s not only important to have your brake system regularly inspected, but also to have repairs done properly.

It’s imperative to install premium brake parts to restore stopping performance and safety.  Don’t compromise your safety for the sake of a few dollars savings on a repair invoice.

What’s Being Done?
Nothing has been done yet to eliminate the safety concerns and erratic driving performance that can be traced to sub-par brake systems.

However, a step in the right direction was taken four years ago when an independent testing laboratory near Detroit developed a certification program.  Greening Testing Labs created a test to analyze the effectiveness of brake systems.  It’s called D3EA, which stands for Dual Dynamometer Differential Effectiveness Analysis.

D3EA is a testing method which enables brake manufacturers to verify that their products are consistent with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).  In other words, it makes sure that your replacement brakes are as good as your original brakes.

Consumers want a simple measure of brakes’ effectiveness.  This testing process proves that certified brake pads can stop a car 20 feet shorter than other brands from a speed of 45 miles per hour in the exact manner intended by the vehicle manufacturer.

The test is objective and based on FMVSS guidelines.  “It may even be harder to pass our test than the FVMSS,” said Charles Greening, Jr.  “After all, this is a question of people’s safety and we take our responsibility very seriously.”

The Gold Seal
Since there are no federally imposed certifications for brake replacements, consumers have to make that decision themselves.  The “Gold Seal” of D3EA indicates the brake pads meet or exceed the requirements imposed on a new vehicle.

“It’s a buyer’s beware market,” cautioned Greening.  “Consumers must educate themselves regarding the quality differences and subsequent safety implications of the various brands in the industry.  You cannot tell the difference by just looking at them.”

What Should Consumers Do?

• Make sure the replacement brakes you buy for your car are premium quality and an exact match of the original equipment.

• Make sure the brake pads have the D3EA “Gold Seal” on the box to insure quality standards have been met.

• Have your brakes checked every year.

Your safety and the safety of others depends on it.

The Council is promoting improved maintenance habits, not only checking but also changing oil when that service is due. It could save money and inconvenience in the long run.

Dirty oil does more than accelerate wear of precision engine parts. It also can turn to thick sludge, clogging oil passages and preventing lubrication from reaching  bearings, pistons and valve guides. An engine under stress, such as when towing a trailer, needs clean oil for lubrication and for cooling.

In addition to lubricating and cooling, oil acts as a cleaning agent. But when it’s dirty and the filter is loaded with contaminants, none of the above can be accomplished.

Dirty oil is one reason you’ll hear a tapping sound from an engine, coming from a valve lifter. It’s either worn by dirty or insufficient oil or hampered by fine particles of grit in its microscopic passages.

Remember, too, that the term “severe service” shown in the vehicle owner’s manual, refers to the little old lady who uses her car only to drive to church on Sunday as much as the family that tows a big boat or trailer. The little old lady’s stop and go driving and short trips can take their toll on a car.

Another benefit of timely lube, oil and filter service is that the technician has an opportunity to find discrepancies lurking under the hood or under the vehicle. There‘s a big payoff in discovering a leaking brake cylinder, for example, before it results in total failure of the braking system. A seeping shock absorber or power steering component, might show up only when the car is on a lift for routine service. As the Car Care Council says, “It’ll save you down the road.”

Question:  When is talking dangerous?
Answer #1:  When the bull is charging right at you!
Answer #2 When talking on a cell phone interferes with safe driving.

Unfortunately, both of these answers can have very much the same impact for drivers who are distracted by talking on a cell phone, and anyone else unlucky enough to be on the road with them.  It seems like the number of driving “near misses” is on the rise, and many “what were they thinking” driving maneuvers are the result of a driver who is trying to drive with one hand, while talking on a cell phone with the other.  

In response to the obvious danger involved when otherwise good drivers have their driving skills impaired by “cell phone distraction,” New York recently became the first state to make it a ticketable offense to use a hand-held cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.   As of November 1^st, anyone observed making a call with a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel of a car can be issued a $100 ticket.

The problem lies not in the fact that people want and/or need to use their cell phones while on the move, but rather in the outdated cell phone technology most Americans are still using.  The solution, according to lawmakers in New York and at least 38 other states that are considering similar legislation, is to require the use of a “hands-free” cell phone adapter.  A number of companies are offering hands-free phone devices that enable drivers to keep their hands on the wheel while still “reaching out to touch someone by phone.”

Opponents complain that most hands-free cell phone adapters are complicated to install, and sound like you’re talking in a tin echo chamber.  By shopping around before you buy, however, you should be able to find a hands-free adapter that employs newer and surprisingly affordable technology to deliver stereo quality telephone communications.

“In an ideal world, placing or receiving a call while driving should be as easy and sound as good as using a high fidelity car stereo,” said Jeff Stauffer, VP of marketing for Old World Industries.  Best known for its SplitFire Spark Plugs and PEAK Antifreeze, the company has recently introduced StereoTalk, an easy to install hands-free cell phone system which utilizes an advanced built-in micro-processor to provide crisp, clear, echo-free cell phone conversations right through a vehicle’s stereo sound system.  “StereoTalk is one of the most user-friendly and best sounding hands-free cell phone systems on the market, because it enables drivers to enjoy crystal clear conversations broadcast through their car’s audio system,” Stauffer said. “It works by sending a short range, high-fidelity FM signal containing the caller’s voice to the vehicle’s stereo system. Plus, its one-piece design makes it easy to install and its quick-release feature allows almost effortless installation and transfer from car to car.”

The good news is that hands-free technology has made dramatic advances in recent years.  Thus, by comparison shopping you will be able to find an affordable, high quality system that’s right for you. Following are some of the features that you should look for in a hands-free cell phone adapter system:

Ö       Will it work with your type and model of cell phone? If your cell phone is a Nokia, Motorola or Ericsson, you probably won’t have trouble finding a hands-free adapter that is designed specifically for your phone.  It’s best to stay away from “universal style” adapters that claim to work equally well on any phone, because they usually don’t.

• Does the system require you to wear a headset?  If so, you need to weigh the pros and cons of having to fumble with an earpiece every time your phone rings.

• Does the system have a built-in microphone for enhanced out-going voice quality?  Some adapters simply magnify the output from the phone’s receiver and mouthpiece.  Depending on the system, this can result in static, echoes and tinny reception on both ends of the phone conversation.

• How is the signal transmitted to/from the phone?  Newer technology systems utilize an FM audio speaker link for superior sound quality.

• Does the adapter have a built-in charger that automatically charges the cell phone’s battery? If not, you will have to choose between having your phone plugged into the charger or into your hands-free unit.

Considering that hands-free cell phone adapters can be purchased at most auto parts retailers and mass merchandise stores for under $75, now is the time to pick up a hands-free system for each car you own.  You no longer have to sacrifice sound quality or deal with complicated installation procedures, and if you happen to live in New York or other states that are expected to enact legislation in the near future…you may actually save money compared to getting a traffic ticket.

Here are a few frequently asked questions from the Car Care Council about this important but often ignored component.

Q: What is a CV joint?
A: It’s the flexible part of the axle that connects the transmission to each wheel. There are four of them.

Q: What does the clicking or clunking  noise mean?
A: It means this joint is headed for failure.

Q: Then what?
A: You might have to be towed into a repair shop.

Q: What causes this CV joint to wear out?
A: Usually, lack of lubricant.

Q: Can’t I get it lubricated when I have my car serviced?
A: No. But you can have it checked. The lubrication, put in at the factory, is there for life.

Q: If it’s there for life, how come it can fail?
A: The lubricant, a special grease, leaks out.

Q: Why?
A: A cut or other failure of the flexible rubber boot that covers the joint. Maybe it’s been cut by a flying stone or other road debris. Maybe a retaining clamp has failed. Maybe it’s a victim of old age.

Q: What happens if I don’t pay attention and that joint wears out?
A: You have a new one installed.

Q: How do I avoid this problem?
A: Check it or have it checked periodically.

Q: What would my technician look for?
A: Grease w here it shouldn’t be, such as on the boot or in that vicinity.

“Worn or improperly adjusted drive belts are found on one out of four vehicles inspected in National Car Care Month check lanes and in our Certified Inspection results,” he says. “Equally high on the failure list are cooling system hoses which, of course, are made of rubber.

“These components can let you down without warning and you’re stranded. We believe more attention needs to be directed to these aspects of car care in every type of driver education. Vehicle owners of all ages need to be made more aware of what’s going on under the hood and around the vehicle. New drivers, and especially the elderly, whose health could be at risk when stranded in extreme temperatures, need to be more aware of what’s at stake when maintenance is neglected.

“Anyone, regardless of age or gender, is in jeopardy in the event of a breakdown on the road, especially in bad weather. We’re never too old to learn the practice of good vehicle maintenance.”

For this reason, Car Care Council emphasizes the importance of regular checks of those parts which are most susceptible to insidious deterioration, the kind you’re unaware of until it’s too late. Under-the-hood rubber components such as drive belts and hoses are notorious for sudden, even disastrous, failure on the open road.

“Suddenly you’ll see these warning lights turning on and feel a change in the power steering. The air conditioner won’t put out cold air and soon the engine will begin overheating.

“It can be scary,” warns Davis. “You have no choice but to turn off the ignition key before matters get worse. On most cars the alternator, the power steering pump, the water pump that cools the engine and the air conditioner compressor run off one belt.”

The single belt found on later model vehicles runs from pulley to pulley, driving each of these components and more. Once it fails, you don’t go very far.

An engine literally will self destruct when a hose breaks, causing the loss of all coolant. There seldom are warning signs of marginal belts or hoses other than a close visual inspection.

Hoses carry antifreeze-coolant at 17 pounds of pressure and at temperatures far above that of boiling water. Like the arteries leading to our hearts, they’ve got to be good. When they are not, the stakes are high.

Frequent checking of antifreeze-coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and brake fluid should be a car owner’s responsibility.

How Does It Work?
Basically, gas-electric hybrids use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion, according to the Car Care Council. However, the electric motor is more for support, like solar panels on a house. It is designed to assist the gas engine, decreasing the amount of fuel that’s needed.

Interestingly, the design of this combination can vary from vehicle to vehicle. On some hybrids the electric motor is designed to power the front wheels while on others it replaces the starter and alternator. In addition, its responsibilities may include powering a number of electrical accessories. On two models of hybrid trucks, the electric motor also can serve as a portable power generator.

A Win-Win-Win
Many motorists see fuel economy as the hybrid’s biggest draw, says the Council. The most efficient model currently on the market is rated at an impressive 68 mpg on highway, 61 in the city. Even gas guzzling SUVs post as much as a 20% increase in fuel-efficiency with hybrid technology. However, gas savings isn’t the only benefit that turns heads, there are two other perks.

Hybrid vehicles not only spew fewer pollutants into the air, they also boost performance.

1) Between the smaller size of the electric motor and the feature that turns off the engines when the car is stopped (not available on all GEH vehicles) these vehicles are going to be more environmentally friendly than their counterparts with combustion engines.

2) The increased performance of GEH vehicles is a result of the immediate torque provided by the electric motor. Unlike a combustion engine, it doesn’t have to wait around for a higher rpm level before it gets wound up and takes off.

When Can I Test Drive One?
Gas-electric hybrids (GEH) are coming on strong for their fuel saving, emissions-reducing and performance enhancing technology. They are getting rave reviews from owners, and the automakers are getting the message. Currently there are 3 gas-electric hybrids on the market; by 2004 motorists will have at least 8 options ranging from two-seaters to sport-utes to pickups.

“My mom says that used car lots used to have good deals,” sighed Heather, “but the one I visited yesterday didn’t have, like, a single vehicle in my price range. Even with my trade in y’know.”

“Let me ask you a question,” said Karen, the savvy auto tech student. “What’s wrong with the car you’re driving now?”

“Well, for one thing, it’s 8 years old so it’s, like, looking a little worn. But the main thing is the engine. We’ve already had it in the shop once. My dad says that when the engine starts to go the rest of the car isn’t far behind.”

“I’ll try to say this nicely,” said Karen. “Your dad’s dead wrong. That car is built to last. I’ll bet you could fix it up for a fraction of the cost of a new or used one. Especially if you replace the engine.”

Chalk one up for Karen. Today’s cars are designed to be roadworthy far beyond the 100,000 mile mark, as long as they receive proper maintenance and repairs. Eventually, this may mean replacing the old engine.

Why Repower?
For more and more vehicle owners repowering has become the intelligent alternative for for a number of reasons. The kids at the lunch table might be surprised to learn that replacing a car, even buying another used car has plenty of hidden costs, including higher insurance, finance charges and taxes. Of course, a used vehicle is always a gamble and a new car begins to depreciate the second it’s driven off the lot.

Better Than Before
A better idea may be to keep the car you’re currently driving and investigate replacing the engine with one that’s been restored to the original specifications. The Automotive Repower Council says, with advances in technology, the quality of the rebuilt may exceed the original.

The remanufacturing procedures include thorough and extensive cleaning, machining and installation of new and reconditioned components. Engine producers are so certain of their products’ reliability that each engine is backed by an exceptional warranty, sometimes lifetime.

Not Just for Penny Pinchers
Teenagers or motorists who watch their pocketbooks are not the only ones who can benefit from the intelligent option. Anyone with a vehicle in good condition that has a failing engine will want to consider repowering. Karen put it best when she asked Heather, “Do you really want to commit to all of those car payments?” The Automotive Repower Council asks, “Do YOU?”

Car washing, in the driveway or in a drive-through, conjures positive thoughts.

“It’s what spring is all about,” says Donna Wagner, President of the Car Care Council. “Before buckling down to the less enchanting chores of window cleaning and lawn work, the first warm weekend invites us to run to the car wash or get out the bucket and hose.”

Simple as the process may seem, there are good, better and best ways to wash one’s car at home. “Be a little fussy about the car wash soap you use,” says Wagner. “Don’t even think about using household detergent. It’s likely to take off the wax or polish. Some of these products can damage the paint.”

Among suggestions from the Council, work in the shade. Washing a hot surface can result in hard-to-remove streaks. Flush off as much of the road dirt as possible before applying the suds. The sponge, towel or washing mitt should be absolutely free of abrasive grit.

Pay attention to those crevices underneath the vehicle that accumulate mud and road dirt, especially important in climates that use salt to melt snow. The high pressure hose in a do-it-yourself car wash is great for this, as is a home style pressure washer.

“But be careful where you aim the nozzle,” she warns. “Excessive pressure can loosen trim or moldings.”

Automotive chemical manufacturers have developed new products that make the finished job more impressive. Tires and black plastic trim, for example, can be made to look like new with protective dressings. There are cleaners for chrome, aluminum and stainless steel; even products designed for hard-to-remove brake pad dust from wheels.

The interior deserves “wall-to-wall” attention in spring cleaning. After vacuuming the carpeting, upholstery and door panels, a good fabric cleaner, shampoo or spot remover followed by a protective spray can bring drab fabrics back to life. The padded dash and other vinyl areas can be cleaned and protected with wipe-on or spray products created specifically for these surfaces.

“We can’t seem to escape harmful ultraviolet rays and acid rain,” says Wagner. “However, regular washing and waxing can keep one’s vehicle looking new for years longer.”

“Americans seem to have a stereotype of energy efficient vehicles that are not powered by fossil fuels,” says Donna Wagner, president of the Council. “They think these cars have a top speed of 30 mph and an extension cords. That’s not how it works in the new millennium.”

 While Wagner admits that consumers will become more interested and better educated about these advances, she thinks that initially, car manufacturers and consumers will be engaged in a game of Truth or Dare.

“The manufacturers are going to have to be very truthful about their product claims,” she explains. “And the motorists who invest in these products will have to dare to be among the first using the new technology.

Just as the cassette tape was better than the 8-track, one or more of these systems probably will become the norm. The big question is, ‘Which one?’ One thing is for certain, folks will continue to be skeptical until they see their neighbor driving a hybrid vehicle or a truck powered by hydrogen. ”

Other fuels that provide an alternative to fossil fuels include:

•  Biodiesel
• Electric Fuel
• Ethanol
• Hydrogen
•  Methanol
• Natural Gas (CNG/LNG)
• Propane (LPG)
• P-Series
• Solar Fuel