Seniors: Winter Driving and Safety Information

Drivers of All Ages Need to be Prepared for Winter Driving Conditions

While Older Driver Safety Awareness Week just wrapped up, it's still important to think about the concerns of seniors behind the wheel, especially as driving conditions become more treacherous for all drivers as winter sets in.

Today’s seniors are not much different than any other age group when it comes to their cars. Winter weather may be an inconvenience but everyone needs their car to get around. Your car is more than a luxury, it’s a necessity. More and more seniors are remaining active and consider their car an important part of lifestyle. Yet, no matter how active and healthy you stay your driving skills will change as you age.  However, this doesn’t need to stand in the way of safe, enjoyable winter driving.

Senior drivers should follow vehicle safety practices, and take some extra precautions designed to compensate for their changing driving abilities. Also, vehicle maintenance is even more important in the winter, when frigid temperatures could turn a break down into a life-threatening situation.   Plan and prepare before you head out during the winter.

Winter driving experts agree; don’t drive in bad weather if you can avoid it. But if driving in bad weather is absolutely necessary, make sure you plan, notify friends and family where you are going, ensure your tires and car is in top shape, take your cell phone, a blanket, bottled water, a flashlight and an emergency kit. These items should be kept in your car at all times.  You should always have emergency contact numbers with you and a road side assistance plan.  If possible, take a friend along with you.

Remember Last Winter?

Is Your Car Ready?

Unless you spent last winter on a warm tropical island, the memory of last winter is a good lesson of just how cruel Mother Nature can be.  Before long, winter will once again be upon us.  As a result of last winter's harsh weather there was a significant increase of winter related car problems.  Many of these problems were due to lack of proper vehicle maintenance and may have been avoided.  Also, the cold, ice, snow, salt and wind can have damaging effects on your vehicle.

The Best insurance against a breakdown or a no start on a cold winter day is preventive maintenance.  And the best time to have your car checked out for the winter is now.  some of the more critical items to inspect are:  The battery, antifreeze, heater, hoses, belts, defroster, tires, fluids, wipers, lights, brakes, suspension and filters.  Also, ensure your car is up to date with all required maintenance services.

Snow Storms Brings Challenges

       

       Your Car Battery Can Fail Without Warning

Imports, Domestics Have Billions at Stake

Buyers' Loyalties Loosen

Owners of Japanese-brand vehicles buy Japanese-brand vehicles. Owners of domestic-brand vehicles buy domestics. So says auto industry wisdom.

But lately, that wisdom isn't such a sure bet.

Consumers have shown a recent willingness to cross-shop outside their traditional habits, according to market monitors. Prodded and lured in one direction by such factors as inventory shortages at import leaders Toyota and Honda, and shooed in the opposite direction by disappearing brands such as Pontiac, Saturn and Mercury, some consumers find themselves unanchored.

The billion-dollar question: Are they changing shopping patterns out of temporary inconvenience, or is a new attitude emerging in the consumer standoff between import and domestic brands?

Compete Inc., an automotive market research firm in Boston, finds that the tendency of Japanese import-brand shoppers to cross-shop Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge has trended steadily upward since the first quarter of 2010.

Similarly, J.D. Power and Associates reports that the percentage of auto shoppers who traded in an Asian import-brand vehicle and bought another one has declined slightly. Asian-brand loyalty dropped from a consistent 80 percent at the beginning of 2010 to 76 percent in third quarter 2011.

These may be modest changes, but they leave the industry uncertain.

'New Sense of Patriotism'

"Something is happening right now; it's just a little hard to say what it is  "There is clearly a new sense of patriotism out there, "We can hear it when we talk to customers."

Patriotism alone won't sell cars: "It's not necessarily causing people to buy Fords; it's causing them to shop Ford. What's causing people to buy Ford is good products."

The past three years of upheaval -- recession, bankruptcies, bailouts, lending crises, fuel-price spikes, Japanese product-quality glitches, disappearing brands and the catastrophic March 11 earthquake in Japan -- has shaken up some consumer habits. Japanese-brand dealers were hit hard this summer by inventory shortages. Nissan rebounded fastest, and its U.S. market share is increasing. Market shares for Toyota and Honda are down from a year ago. At the same time, market shares for Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge are up.

Better Domestics

A big coincidence?   "What's happening, is that the domestic manufacturers are delivering better-quality products right now, with better styling and fuel efficiency. Customers want to come see it.   

Lincoln Merrihew, managing director for transportation at market researcher Compete, believes the domestic brands are partially benefiting from picking up "the leftovers" of domestic brands that were killed -- Saturn, Pontiac, Hummer and Mercury.

But he cites Compete shopper data to say that there is also organic growth. Combined Detroit 3 market share is up more than 2 points for the first nine months of this year, while Japanese-brand share is down nearly 4 points.

Compete tracks online car shoppers from auto site to auto site to see what other vehicles they are considering.

Merrihew says import shoppers were warming to domestic model considerations before the earthquake.

Compete data show that in July the ranking of Chevrolet, Ford or Dodge vehicles for Toyota shoppers was 4.5, meaning typically their fourth or fifth choice. By comparison, in fourth quarter 2009, the Detroit 3 vehicles were a more distant 5.5 choice.

Honda Loyalty Stands Out

Honda shoppers appear to be the most import-loyal of the Japanese market leaders. Compete reports that in December 2009, a Chevrolet, Ford or Dodge vehicle was a seventh-place choice for Honda shoppers. By July, those choices had risen, but only to fifth.

Nissan intenders ventured to a Chevrolet, Ford or Dodge vehicle as their sixth choice in late 2009, according to Compete. By this summer, those choices had risen to about 3.5.

Al Castignetti, vice president of Nissan sales at Nissan North America, says model segment offerings will determine where customers will shop. Because few brands offer minivans, for example, Chrysler minivan shoppers also will consider Nissan's recently reintroduced Quest.  "We look at cross-shop data, and it is different for every segment," he adds. 

Ford's decision to leave the compact pickup business will mean that those owners likely will consider a Nissan Frontier.  Nissan's recently introduced compact sporty crossover, the Juke, "is a white-space product. Therefore, it is drawing shoppers from both sides of the import-domestic aisle.

Seniors Heading South for Winter

Tips on storing your car for the winter months

Many people head down south for warmer weather this time of the year and leave their cars behind. Storing your car properly for the winter is important to avoid issues when you return in the spring. Here are a few simple tips to help prepare your car for the duration.  

• Change the oil just prior to storage.
• Oil absorbs moisture and if old oil is left in the engine, moisture may evaporate out of the oil and condense on the engine internals causing corrosion. Also, oil becomes acidic with use and should be changed for this reason also. 
• Ideally you will want to keep your car in a garage, or at least in an enclosed area, protected from the elements.  Never park your car for extended periods over dirt, grass or gravel.
• Make sure your tire pressure is at least at the correct pressure. Some people add a few pounds extra due to possible loss of tire pressure over time.
• You should purchase a devise know has a Battery Tender. This will maintain the proper charge in the battery. Batteries will go dead within a month’s time without a charge. 
• Wash the car thoroughly, inside and out.  Dirt, tree sap, salt, etc can be damaging to the car’s exterior and paint. Wash the car thoroughly, inside and out.  Dirt, tree sap, salt, etc can be damaging to the exterior and paint.
• Fill the Gas Tank and add fuel stabilizer to the fuel.
• Check all the fluids, especially the antifreeze.
• Do not engage the parking brake. Having the parking brake engaged all winter may result in seized brake cables and other brake components.
• Check your State Inspection date, if it is due to expire when you are gone, you should probably have it taken care of before you leave.

A little preparation before you leave will save you a lot of grief when you return.

PUT A SMILE ON A CHILD'S FACE THIS HOLIDAY

Osceola Garage and

Toys for Tots Foundation

Delivering Happiness to Children

This Holiday Season
    

Please help them by donating an unwrapped toy stop down starting November 25th at Osceola Garage and drop off your kind donation. 

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

Toys for Tots Program
 

MISSION:

 

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL:

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

OBJECTIVE:

The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

ACTIVITIES:

The principal Toys for Tots activity which takes place each year is the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located.  In communities without a Reserve Unit, the campaign can be conducted by a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign.  Local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other voluntary events designed to increase interest in Toys for Tots, and concurrently generate toys and monetary donations.

Donate Your Vehicle Today!

Cars for Tots will take any vehicle, anywhere in America, running or not. This is an alternative to the hassle of selling or trading-in yourself, and you get a tax deduction and a big thanks from us.   

To donate:  call 877-999-8322 or for details Go to Toys for Tots Vehicle Donation Program.
 

     

Female Car Buyers Embrace Domestic Automakers, Porsche

Female car buyers are making up a larger customer base for some of the top domestic auto brands, but none approach the gains that Porsche has made with women this year, according to an analysis by Edmunds.com, the online resource for automotive information. 

The analysis found that of all automakers, Porsche has made the largest relative market share gains among women nationwide over the past year. From January through August 2011, 23 percent of Porsche buyers were female, compared to 19 percent during the same period last year. The growth accounts for a 21.1 percent proportional change, year over year.

Edmunds.com's analysis found that eight of the ten car brands with the fastest growing female market shares were domestic automakers. Among those domestic brands, Buick has made the largest market share gains among women, increasing the proportion by 8.6 percent year over year.

Trailing just behind Buick were Dodge (+7.4%) and Chevrolet (+6.5%). Luxury Japanese make Infiniti (+6.1%) was next, at +6.1%, followed by GMC (+3.8%), Ford (+3.2%), Lincoln (+2.9%), Jeep (+2.8%) and Chrysler (+2.7%).

Overall, 39 percent of all new cars have been registered by women in the U.S. this year, essentially flat compared to last year. While women accounted for 23% of total Porsche buyers so far this year, their shares of the other nine brands on the list were: Buick, 38%; Dodge, 29%; Chevrolet, 33%; Infiniti, 35%; GMC, 27%; Ford, 32%; Lincoln, 36%; Jeep, 37%; and Chrysler, 38%.

"One thing that these ten brands have in common is that their shares of female buyers all fall below the industry average of 39 percent," notes Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Jessica Caldwell. "It's smart for these brands to develop new and refreshed products that have a stronger appeal with women so that they don't miss out on an important part of the market."

Foreign makes dominated the list of the largest decreases in female market share. Mini has seen its market share of females shift from 48 percent in the first eight months of 2010 to 46 percent during the same period in 2011, for a proportional change of -4.2 percent. Fellow European competitors Audi (-2.9%), Volvo (-2.3%) and Volkswagen (-2.3%) are next on the list, followed by Korean automotive giant Hyundai (-2.3%).

To perform this study, Edmunds.com analysts examined new car registration data provided by Polk for the periods January 2010-August 2010 and January 2011-August 2011. Only brands selling a minimum of 1,500 vehicles to females nationwide during each time period were considered for the analysis.

The Memories of American Heroes Live On

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed the day should be "filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory".

Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and church services and in many places the American flag is hung at half mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11am.

Throughout both internal conflicts and world wars, America’s veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting those at home. Remember their service and bravery at one of the monuments or memorials in the region.

http://www.osceolagarage.com/

New York offers several inspiring memorials where visitors are welcome year-round, so take some time to honor America’s heroes on this day November 11, 2011

Popularity of used vehicles continues to grow.

Among the automobile buying sector, used cars are in more demand than in recent years, a new study reveals.

According to the national survey conducted by The Media Audit, 54.7% of adults who plan to buy a vehicle in the next 12 months are planning to purchase a used vehicle. 

The figure represents more than 20 million consumers across The Media Audit's 80 measured markets. 

Moreover, the demand for used cars versus new cars has been increasing. In 2006, a similar study was conducted, and used cars represented 49.4% of all automobile planned purchases. As a result, the demand for used cars among car buyers has increased by 10% over five years.

Correspondingly, the demand for new cars has diminished. The same study reveals that among adults planning to purchase a vehicle, 37.8% plan to buy a new vehicle, compared to 43.8% in 2006. The figure represents a decline of 13% over the same five-year period.

Among some of the top markets for used cars are Indianapolis, IN, where 12.7% of the market's general population plans to purchase a used vehicle in the next 12 months. Charleston, SC, ranks second with 11.5% who plan to buy a used vehicle, followed by Oklahoma City, OK (11.2%), Memphis, TN (11.1%), and Detroit, MI (10.5%).

Rounding out the top ten markets for planned purchases of used vehicles are Sacramento, CA, where 10.1% of the local population plans to purchase a used vehicle, along with Spokane, Washington (10.1%), and Columbus, Ohio (10.1%). San Antonio, Texas (9.7%), and Kansas City, Missouri (9.6%) ranked ninth and tenth, respectively.

Quick Fall Auto Fix-up Tips

Avoid winter woes with quick fall auto fix-up tips and keep your car in great condition for the winter months to come.  As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it's time to prepare your vehicle for the unfavorable road conditions to come.  Addressing a few key issues before winter arrives can save you significant hassle and cost.   

Follow these simple tips to shield your vehicle from the elements and avoid winter-related damages.

Protect Your Paint

The majorities of drivers are aware of at least one scratch or chip in their vehicles' paint. Unfortunately, many will not repair these small damages before they rust and become serious issues. A scratch can rust in just 30 days, and snow, ice and freezing temperatures can accelerate and intensify the damage.   

Contact Osceola Garage as to what finish would be the best for your vehicle to repair these small damages.

Vision

Winter weather can reduce visibility, so a clear windshield is extremely important to prevent accident damage.  To make certain you have an unobstructed view of the road at all times, examine the defroster system and windshield wipers.  Replace any old or cracked blades, and don't forget your rear wiper.

Stock up on winter windshield fluid and keep a bottle of de-icing spray in your car to reduce the need to scrape. Check all vehicle lights to make sure your night vision is equally clear, and replace any dim or dead bulbs.  

Contact Osceola Garage to inspect your vehicle free of charge.

Tires 

One of the most essential aspects of vehicle winterization is making sure you have a safe grip on the road. Quality tires help keep your vehicle secure, especially in slippery rain or snow conditions, and inadequate tires will not be effective. Inspect your tire tread and pressure and replace worn tires for optimal traction in snow and ice.   

Ensure to rotate your tires and have your brakes checked. If you live in a snow-prone or rural area, you might consider purchasing snow tires and/or chains to get through the tough conditions.  

Contact Osceola Garage and we will inspect your tires Free of charge.

Emergency Kit 

In the case that something does go wrong this winter and you are stranded, make sure to keep an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle at all times.

Include:  Flashlight and batteries, road flares, a blanket, jumper cables, bottled water, nutrition bars and charged cell phone

You may also benefit from roadside service, particularly if you are traveling alone or long distances.   Contact Osceola Garage and find out more about their Auto Club.  




For information click:   http://bit.ly/u5SFhy

Seniors Can You Be Considered an Impaired Driver because you’re taking prescription medications

As we get older, more and more of us tend to take medications for one reason or another. These drugs may have stronger effects on our bodies than when we were younger.  

High doses of some drugs can impair your skills and reflexes while behind the wheel of your car. It can also make you drowsy, affect your vision and have other negative side effects that can affect your safety and the safety of others while on the road.   

When taking any medication read the labels It is common to see the warnings on prescription drug labels noting something along the lines of, “Do not operate heavy machinery or equipment.” It is important to remember that the heavy machinery mentioned includes automobiles. 

Many times the driver’s doctor-prescribed medication which can have an effect on the ability to drive equal to, or worse than, being intoxicated. Driving while impaired under the influence of medication is just as illegal as drinking and driving and has the same penalties.  

If any drug makes you drowsy or dizzy or any other adverse reactions, do not drive while taking these drugs and speak with your doctor right away.  

Are Your Car Tires Out of Date

Worn Tires, especially bald ones can be deadly on wet roads.

Mileage is the not the only concern when speaking of the integrity of your car’s tires. The age of the tires is an important factor too. Many seniors do not put a lot of miles on their cars and may be under the assumption that because of the low miles on the car, the tires are ok. This may not be the case.

Tire rubber degrades and dries out over time, no matter what the miles are. This can cause cracking and stress on the tire's structural composition, possibly resulting in failure, including blowouts and tread shredding at higher speeds. Older tires often have problems maintaining proper inflation. This can cause gas consumption to rise, wasting valuable fuel. 

All tires have a date code stamped on the sidewall. If your tires are more than 5 years old you should have your auto service professional inspect the tires and check the date code Remember, the age of a tire is as important as the mileage. 

Worn tires—especially bald ones—can be deadly on wet roads, where the grooves aren't deep enough to channel water out from beneath the tread. The result is hydroplaning, where the tread skims the water's surface and the vehicle no longer responds to the steering wheel. Wet-weather braking and snow traction also decrease as tires wear.

Tires are considered bald when one or more of their grooves reaches 2/32 of an inch deep, compared with about 10/32 of an inch for new tires (tread wear is usually measured in 1/32-inch increments). Manufacturers have made bald tires easier to spot by placing a series of molded horizontal bars at the base of the grooves. The bars become flush with surrounding tread when wear reduces a groove's depth to 2/32 of an inch. That's also the point where tires will flunk a state safety inspection—and where tread must be worn for you to collect on a tire's tread-wear warranty.
Unfortunately, 2/32 of an inch may be too late if you drive in rain or snow. Based on our tests of new and half-tread-depth tires, you may want to consider shopping for new ones on your car or truck closer to the 4/32-inch groove depth.

Click here for Tires to Fit Every Budget

The Days are Getting Shorter and Colder. Get Your Car In Shape for the Months Ahead!

The Weather Is Now Changing, be prepared to meet the fall head on where auto safety and maintenance is concerned.

 The leaves have started to fall, and parents have sent their children back to school. Before the weather takes a turn for the worst Osceola Garage Auto Care would like to offer the following car maintenance tips to get vehicles ready for the damp, cold months ahead.

Take Your Vehicle For A Full Check Up

As the fall weather continues to roll in, it's important to have the following items checked by a professional: battery cables and terminals, belts and hoses, air filters, windshield wipers and all fluids, including anti-freeze, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.





  Take A Good Look At Your Tires

Are there signs of uneven tread wear? That could indicate under-inflation, unbalanced tires or misaligned wheels. Remember to check your tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month and regularly inspect the tread depth. Your tread will be even more important during the autumn months when wet, dead leaves cover the roadways.

Take Care Of Your Lights And Turn Signals

Fall, along with less favorable weather, also means it's time to turn the clocks back for daylight savings. With a shorter day comes a longer night, so be sure your headlights, taillights and turn signals are in proper working order and shining at the appropriate levels.


Talk To Your Teenager

Have a teenager in the house? Worried about all the driving they will be doing during the fall? You can't teen-proof your neighborhood, but you can talk to your teen about safe driving before they head to school.  Osceola Garage has tips and resources for parents to help start a conversation with your teens about smart driving.   Stop by or call us to get a complete list of safety tips for your teenager.

Remember, not only can taking these small steps keep your vehicle running newer, longer, but they can also help keep you and your family safe on the road.

Seniors: Night Driving Can Be Challenging

Seniors: Night Driving Can Be Challenging

As we get older, our reaction time begins to slow down and our vision starts to decline. These factors can lead to problems while driving at night. Here are a few helpful hints for driving at night: 

• Make sure your headlights are on at least one hour before sunset and one hour after sunrise. 
• Increase your distance between other vehicles on the road and allow more time when stopping.  
• Stay alert, if you are drowsy or tired, do not drive.  
• If you feel that your vision is not what it should be, get an eye examination, don’t take chances.

Lastly, have you exterior lights and headlights checked often. Also, the headlights lenses on many cars today fade over time, which reduces your ability to see at night. If your lenses are cloudy, please see you auto service professional. In many cases the headlight lenses can be polished and repair, saving you the expense of replacement headlight assemblies.

Fall Driving Safety Tips

AUTUMN DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

Sunny days and crisp nights, colorful falling leaves and the last chance to hit the road before winter's ice and snow make autumn the perfect time for a road trip. But amongst all that beauty are some hazards you should know about. Don't let one of them ruin your scenic autumn drive.

The Dangers of Falling leaves

As we head into the fall, leaves will begin to accumulate on the roadways, which can cause slippery and hazardous driving conditions. As the temperature falls, particularly overnight, the wet leaves can turn the roadways as dangerous as ice or snow covered. Also, leaves can cover and hide road markings, making it difficult to know the exact location of the lanes.

Autumn leaves piled along the roadside may be a scenic part of fall, but if those leaves get wet, they can be as big a hazard as a puddle or standing water. If you hit a patch of wet leaves, you can lose traction. Braking and steering may be difficult. Be aware of this hazard and treat wet leaves the way you would a water hazard, slowing down and braking and steering carefully.

Avoid driving over piles of dry leaves, too. They could ignite on hot engine parts, or they might be obscuring a pot hole or other hazard

To avoid skidding and loss of vehicle control, slow down and be very cautious when braking. Treat wet leaves the same as you treat icy conditions. Allow yourself extra time to stop and maintain a greater distance between you and the car ahead of you.

Here’s another tip; keep leaves from accumulating around the wiper area and under the hood. These leaves will find their way into your heater vent system and may damage the heater motor or will eventually decompose. Rotting leaves will emit an unhealthy, foul odor from your heater vents.

Weather
Fall is a time of variable weather. Sunny days can give way to frosty nights, and sudden showers may leave roads slick. Make sure your wiper blades, tires and brakes are all in good working order. If you find frost on your windshield in the morning, take the time to clean it off so you have full visibility.

Animals
Autumn is a time of greater activity in the animal world also. It's mating season for deer, elk, moose and other large mammals. A buck in pursuit of a doe may not stop for traffic. Bears are focused on ingesting as many calories as possible as the days dwindle, so are less cautious about being out at all hours. Smaller animals, too, are more active in autumn as they gather food stores. Slow down and be extra alert if you live in an area where these animals roam. Get in the habit of scanning the road ahead. If you see movement or an animal on the side of the road, decrease your speed. Warn motorists ahead of you of a possible hazard by flashing your lights three times

School's in
Watch for children walking to and from school, especially in early morning hours when they might not be as readily visible. Children walking in groups with their friends may be distracted and careless about stepping out in traffic. Slow down and be aware.

Is Your Air Bag Light On? Don’t Ignore It.

 If your air bag (or SRS) light is on, that’s an indication of a malfunction in the air bag system, sometimes referred to as the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Your vehicle on-board computer continuously monitors the proper function of the air bag system. Once it detects a fault, it will turn on the dashboard warning light.   The air bag light should come on when the car is first started, along with other warning lights and turn off within a few seconds. If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, don’t ignore it, have it check immediately.   Your air bags may not deploy in the event of a collision. Air bags save lives. Without the air bags working properly you are putting yourself at risk and the risk of other passengers. 

Motorists Tips: Staying Safe on the Road

Are You In Control Of Your Vehicle?

Driving you car should be effortless. Loss of strength or flexibility can make it harder to safely control you car.   If you have trouble looking over your shoulder to change lanes, moving your foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal or turning the steering wheel, you need to tell your doctor.  Physical problems that impede your reaction time can jeopardize your safety and the safety of others on the road. In addition, you need to be aware of fatigue behind the wheel.  Know your limitations. Driving long distances can lead to pain and cramps in your back, legs and ankles.

As Gas Prices Rise, So Do Scams

Gas prices are reaching all time highs. So too is the volume of advertising for “gas-saving” products, designed to appeal to consumers looking for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Although there are practical steps car owners can take to increase gas mileage, be wary of gas-saving claims for automotive devices. What’s more, you could end up with serious engine problems or a voided manufacturer warranty by adding after-market devices to your engine.

Osceola Garage recommends being particularly skeptical of the following kinds of advertising claims:

• “Product improves fuel economy by 20 percent.” The Environmental Protection Agency has evaluated or tested more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices and has not found any product that significantly improves gas mileage. In fact, some “gas-saving” products may damage a car’s engine or cause substantial increases in exhaust emissions.
•  “I got an extra 4 miles per gallon with your product.” Although ads may feature glowing customer testimonials, consumers should keep in mind that few people have the ability or the equipment to test for precise changes in gas mileage after installing a gas-saving product.
• “Approved by the Federal Government.” No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars.

Instead of searching for miraculous gas-saving products, we recommend that consumers consider taking one or more of the no cost or low-cost actions that can help drivers save on gas consumption. The most important place to start is at the gas pump; buy only the octane level gas you need. Here are more tips to help you get better gas mileage:

• Drive more efficiently. Stay within posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
• Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and stops. Accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop.
• Use overdrive gears and cruise controls when appropriate. They improve the fuel economy of your car when driving on a highway.
•  Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10 percent.
• Remove excess weight from the trunk.
• Properly maintain your car. Keep the engine tuned, tires inflated and aligned, change the oil on schedule, and check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing clogged filters can increase gas mileage up to 10 percent

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

The United States government has passed legislation that requires all new passenger vehicles (beginning with 2007 model year vehicles) to be equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems. The main purpose of these systems is to warn the driver if their tires are losing air pressure, leaving the tires under inflated and dangerous.Maintaining the correct tire pressure for a vehicle is the variable in how much load its tires can safely carry. The correct pressure will carry the weight without a problem. Too little tire pressure will eventually cause catastrophic tire failure.

Studies have shown that running tires with too little air pressure is not uncommon. It’s been estimated that about one out of every four vehicles on the road is running on under inflated tires. This also means that one out of every four drivers is needlessly sacrificing their vehicle’s fuel economy and handling, and reducing their tires’ durability and tread life.

Below are typical dashboard warning lights alerting the driver of a tire not inflated properly. For more information you can go to: http://www.checkmytires.com/ or you can always ask us.

Typical dashboard tire pressure monitor warning lights

Although it becomes law in 2007, many vehicles built in the last few years have been equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems. While we see the importance of this system we feel obligated to let our customers know that this technology is new and has many problems and flaws. We have already seen many false warning lights. The systems are complicated and special equipment is needed for some vehicle models to reset the light. Also, the sensors in the wheels can wear out or become damaged and may have to be replaced in the future.

It’s our advice that you still practice common sense and have you tire pressure checked at least once a month. And please remember, most vehicles manufactured prior to 2007 do not have a tire pressure monitoring system. As always, if you have a question about your tires or need your tire pressure checked, just stop by. We will be glad to check your tires and refill to the proper inflation at no charge.