Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Avoiding Potholes

Potholes destroy tires, and the price of tires is rising sharply due to a supply shortage of natural rubber (yes, it still comes from trees, mostly in southeast Asia) and increasing demand from China, where car ownership is undergoing double-digit growth. Petroleum is also used in tire manufacturing, adding further to cost volatility. Blow out just one tire on one pothole and expect to pay out more – one major tire manufacturer increased prices three times in 2011 alone.

 

Damage from potholes doesn’t stop at tires. In a blink of the eye, you can experience $1000 of damage, possibly more, when your car hits a pothole – it’s possible to impair your car’s shock absorbers, suspension system, struts, rims and alignment as well. According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the average additional vehicle operating costs due to rough roads in 2007 was $400, with higher costs experienced in places including Baltimore ($589), Concord, NH ($656), Dallas-Fort Worth ($512), Los Angeles ($746), New Orleans ($622), New York-Newark ($638), Oklahoma City ($631), San Francisco-Oakland ($705) and Tulsa ($703). Deteriorating roads and general inflation since 2007 likely pushed these costs higher.

But there are things you can do before, during and after hitting a pothole. A preventive strategy is more about preparation, driving skills and reacting appropriately when a pothole sneaks up to surprise you. We suggest you approach it on three fronts, as follows.

Adopt smarter driving practices

You can reduce damage with vehicle preparation and driving with good sense:

• Check your tire pressure to keep it at the tire manufacturer’s recommendation. If a tire is too soft, it handles poorly and in a sudden bump may rupture if the wheel rims pinch it against the jagged edge of a pothole. Over-inflated tires are more susceptible to damage as well.
• Have a clean windshield! Your field of vision is critical.
• Observe the traffic ahead of you – if other cars are swerving and stopping, it’s because of a problem in the road.
• Beware of puddles – what might look like a little surface water might have a nasty, deep and sharp-edged pothole lurking below.
• Reduce your speed on roads that are prone to potholes. Slower hits generally involve less damage, a simple matter of physics.
• Stay focused and pay attention to the amount of traffic in front, behind and alongside you. You might be able to avoid potholes but do not want to cause an accident while doing so.

React quickly, intelligently when a pothole is upon you

Assuming you drive defensively – and do not tailgate, which restricts your ability to anticipate potholes or sudden braking by the vehicle in front of you – here is what to do if you are just about to hit a pothole:

• Brake only lightly, if at all. And do something counterintuitive by letting off on the brakes entirely the moment before impact. Clamping down on your brakes at higher speeds not only tempts rear-end collisions but also compresses the front-end suspension system, increasing the damage.
• Hard braking can actually cause greater contact between the tire and the pothole where it might otherwise glide over it.
• Do not swerve in a last ditch attempt to avoid the pothole. Aside from creating a hazard for vehicles immediately behind and beside you, you risk hitting the pothole on an oblique angle, which can cause more damage to the tire, wheel rim and alignment than if you hit it perpendicularly.

Reduce the damage in the aftermath

Post-impact, the right moves can at least limit the extent of the damage:

• Immediately pay attention to whether or not you have a flat tire. If so, minimize how much you drive on it, pull off the road as soon as you can do so safely where you can change the tire to your spare. This will minimize the damage to your wheel rim.
• Even without a flat, there may be preliminary damage. At your next stop, check tire rims to see if they were bent, if there is visible cord material or bulging. This could fail later while driving.
• Note if your car pulls to one side without corrective steering. This suggests the wheels are out of alignment and need mechanical attention.

In most municipalities, you can and should report potholes to the streets department – use a smartphone app such as SeeClickFix or SaveMyTire.com, or the local 3-1-1 or other call-in line. You might also be compensated for your loses if that pothole was reported previously and left unfixed, however rules for this are determined on a city, township or county level.

 

Courtesy of Pothole.info

The Car Store Supports Green Up VT for the 6th Consecutive Year!

Join the Environmental Movement and Volunteer

 

Norwich, VT April 20th, 2012.  Green Up VT began in April 18, 1970, started by a local non-profit organization with the help of community businesses and volunteers. Green Up's mission is to promote the stewardship of our state's natural landscape and waterways and the livability of our communities. Held on the first Saturday each May, members of each VT town organize their efforts and Green up their community! Over 15,000 people volunteer annually in picking up litter from our roads and public areas, over 40,000 bags of trash are collected each year!

The Car Store Subaru is proud to sponsor Green Up VT Day for our sixth consecutive year, upcoming Saturday May 5th, 2012.The Car Store will be an official bag pick up and drop off location for Green-Up VT, in an attempt to raise public awareness about the benefits of a litter-free environment. The Car Store supports green living efforts and looks forward to another eventful year.

We encourage everyone in our local community to take part in this environmental movement. The Car Store will be supporting our volunteers and the project by providing Green Up resources to local volunteers. A canister for disposal of roadside collections, drive-by bag replenishment as well as water and snacks to keep our team driven!

Join The Car Store Subaru and help keep Vermont Green in 2012! The continued success of Vermont's Green Up endeavor depends on volunteer support. Green Up Vermont is funded primarily by private donations from individuals and businesses, with some support from the state and towns. Your contribution will help keep Green Up growing and preserve Vermont's traditional beauty for the next generation.

If you would like more information about how you can help please contact Mike Lang at (802) 885-2785 or visit www.carstoresubaru.com/greenupvt to register!

2013 Subaru Legacy unveiled at Beijing Auto Show

Subaru automobiles' maker Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) has unveiled the 2013 Legacy with Chinese specifications, at the Beijing Auto Show.

The 2013 Subaru Legacy is powered by horizontally-opposed boxer engine, which the company says provides improved fuel efficiency by combining the light and compact second-generation Lineartronic (CVT).

The company has worked on the exterior of the vehicle and provided a hexagon grille, while the vehicle height was raised by 60mm, and the front bumper, side spoiler and rear bumper featuring chrome parts were newly designed.

Electronic parking brake and SI-DRIVE switches were relocated inside the Legacy 2013 for better usability, said the company.

The vehicle is equipped with bumper beam reinforcement and the knee airbag for a driver, to ensure crash safety performance.

It also features the vehicle dynamics control (VDC) with new control system that has improved its hazard avoidance capability, said the company.

 

Courtesy of Automotive Business Review

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Oil Changes

An oil and filter change involves draining out the old motor oil and replacing it with fresh, new motor oil. The oil filter also gets replaced at the same time.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

In general, yes. Changing your vehicle's oil is one of the most important things you can do to avoid bringing large bags of money to your mechanic later on.

However, there's a lot of controversy about exactly when engine oil gets old and how often it should be replaced with new oil. Because there are many factors at work -- how you drive, the condition and age of the engine, the external environment you drive in, and stop-and-go versus highway driving -- it's an inexact science. Owner's manual recommendations for oil and filter changes vary from 3,000 to 10,000 miles.

We recommend that you change your oil and filter every 5,000 miles. That's our best estimate. It may be too soon for many people and too late for a few, but for the vast majority, 5,000-mile oil changes will help your engine last to a ripe, old age.

You may want to consider changing your oil more frequently if:

• You drive like a knucklehead: jackrabbit starts, heavy acceleration or high-speed driving
• You live where the climate is extremely hot or cold
• You often drive on dirt roads
• Your engine is old and burns oil
• You frequently carry heavy loads (several mothers-in-law or other cargo)

Why do I have to do this?

Oil undergoes thermal breakdown due to high operating temperature. When this occurs, the oil becomes less effective as a lubricant. And without a good lubricant (read: expensive), parts of the engine rub together and wear each other out.

Oil also contains additives that have the ability to neutralize acids. Over time, these additives get used up and stop being effective.

Finally, oil can absorb water, dust and combustion byproducts and also hold them in suspension. Eventually, the oil gets saturated with this stuff and can't absorb any more. Then that stuff remains in the engine and can cause corrosion.

What happens if I don't do this?

Your engine won't last as long as it could. Oil serves many crucial functions, and clean oil performs those functions better than dirty oil. Oil is relatively cheap, and changing your oil every 5,000 miles is a very cheap insurance policy against major repairs down the road.

Courtesy of CarTalk

The Car Store is a 2012 Green Up Vermont Sponsor!

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Green Up Day is May 5, 2012! Subaru of New England and The Car Store Subaru are helping to keep Vermont Green again in 2012. The Car Store and the Norwich Transfer Station will be an official bag pick up and drop off location for Green-Up Day this May. Join The Car Store Subaru and help keep Vermont Green in 2012!  We will be supporting our volunteers and the project by: ·    Supplying a canister for disposal of roadside collections ·    Offering free refreshments and snacks throughout the day to hard working volunteers ·    Providing drive by bag replenishment, water and snacks to volunteers

Sales Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 6pm | Saturday & Sunday: 7:30am – 5:30pm

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Keeping Your Car in Shape

Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned

Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.

Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil

You can improve your gas mileage by 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

 

Courtesy of FuelEconomy.gov

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek® to Debut at New York International Auto Show

- New fun-to-drive, high-capability compact crossover
- 2.0-liter BOXER® engine and up to 33 miles per gallon
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 8.7 inch ground clearance
- Available in Premium and Limited models
- Comprehensive infotainment technology

CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it is expanding its line of award-winning crossover-type vehicles with the all-new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The versatile, fun-to-drive Subaru XV Crosstrek, which arrives this fall, combines bold five-door design with an expanded-capability chassis, high fuel economy and everyday comfort. The new Subaru XV Crosstrek will debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

Subaru based the new Subaru XV Crosstrek on the Impreza® platform, making significant changes to the chassis and body and configuring interior standard equipment and options specifically for this new model. All 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, teamed to Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive via a five-speed manual transmission or available second-generation Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Although official the Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy figures are not yet available, Subaru projects the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek to be the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive crossover on the market. Manufacturer-estimated fuel economy figures are 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined. The 15.9-gallon fuel tank in the Subaru XV Crosstrek is 1.4 gallons greater than that in the Impreza models.

Built for Rugged Action or Everyday Driving

Compared to the Subaru Impreza five-door model it is based on, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek incorporates numerous body and chassis enhancements for its expanded-capability mission. Black side- and wheel-arch cladding, rocker spoiler and roof rails provide a rugged contrast to the body color. The higher ride height, roof spoiler and unique-design 17-inch wheels bolster the Subaru XV Crosstrek model's go-anywhere stance and attitude. Front and rear bumpers and the front grille are unique to the Subaru XV Crosstrek, and dark-tint privacy glass is standard.

The rugged styling is backed up by function, as the four-wheel independent suspension features a raised configuration in the Subaru XV Crosstrek. The new crossover model's 8.7 inches of ground clearance is higher than for most other crossovers and even some dedicated SUVs. The Subaru XV Crosstrek uses standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 all-season tires to provide all-weather traction and performance. The four-wheel disc brake system in the Subaru XV Crosstrek features larger front rotors than on the Impreza 2.5i models.

The standard five-speed manual transmission includes the Subaru Incline Start Assist feature, which will briefly hold the vehicle while the driver coordinates brake and clutch to pull away from a stop on a hill. Available for the Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium models and standard on the Limited trim line; the Subaru Lineartronic CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. A six-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters allows the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios. With either transmission choice, a standard ECO gauge helps the driver to operate the vehicle as economically as possible.

Subaru Safety

For safety, the Subaru Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement body structure has been proven in more than a decade of use. Inside, the Subaru XV Crosstrek fills out its safety roster with a driver's knee airbag and standard front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage. The passenger-seat front airbag features a shell-type design with a center groove, thus exposing the passenger to less impact force upon deployment.

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) combines stability and traction control functions. Traction control works to augment the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive functionality. The 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) integrates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system. A new Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when both the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Subaru offers two different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models. With the five-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set.

Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. The Active Torque Split system automatically transfers more power (up to 100 percent) to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.

Roomy, Versatile Interior

A 103.7-inch wheelbase yields impressive interior roominess in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Rear seat legroom in the Subaru XV Crosstrek of 35.4 inches is close to that of some midsize cars. Large door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and large maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold all manner of today's personal items, such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

With the standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded, this versatile five-door crossover provides a completely flat load floor with up to approximately 52.4 cubic feet of carrying space. The cargo area is outfitted as standard with a cover that can be pulled into place or removed, a removable waterproof tray, tie-down hooks, and grocery bag hooks. Subaru dealers will offer a number of accessories for the standard roof rails for carrying items like bicycles and kayaks.

Two Trim Lines

Subaru will offer the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek in Premium and Limited models, the latter adding additional luxury amenities and infotainment technology. Among the standard features in the Premium are a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth® control switches; power windows, door locks and side mirrors; multi-function display with fuel economy information; security system with engine immobilizer; outside temperature gauge, and carpeted floormats. The standard audio system in the Premium model features Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), iPod® control capability, USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and six speakers.

In addition to making the Lineartronic CVT standard, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited adds leather-trimmed upholstery, steering wheel and shift handle; automatic climate control system; auto on/off headlights, and a rear seat armrest with dual cupholders. A standard display-type audio system in the Subaru XV Crosstrek Limited incorporates a rear-vision camera and also features a 4.3-inch display screen and standard HD Radio™.

Standard on the Limited and available for the Premium, the All-Weather Package gives the Subaru XV Crosstrek heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Both the Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium and Limited offer a power moonroof and a navigation system as standalone options. The navigation system uses a 6.1-inch touch screen LCD display and integrates a rear-vision camera, voice control, iTunes® tagging, SMS text messaging capability, XM Satellite Radio® and XM NavTraffic® (both XM services require subscriptions). Updated map data can be downloaded to a personal computer and then transferred into the system via secure digital (SD) card.

 

Courtesy of Subaru via Autoblog

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Coolant Flush

Coolant Flush – How Often is Needed?

Real coolant flush entails removing all the fluid that is in the cooling system and replacing it with fresh one. The best method of removing all the fluid is hooking the car to the machine that will remove it while at the same time, it puts in fresh fluid. The coolant flush machine puts in the right amount of fluid.

 

The machines circulate the fluid in the vehicle cooling system for a number of times. This removes any kind of debris that could have accumulated for a long time. This is the only way that one can consider to have received the service that has been done in the right way.

 

Refills and Drainage

 

Coolant flush is usually confusing to many people as many think that it involves just draining and then refilling cooling system. There are others who assume that it is done by hooking it up to the flush machine and back flushing the system.

 

The difference between refill or drain and engine coolant flush is big. Draining and refilling is straight forward and has no difficulties while a flush needs one to have a coolant flush kit, draining and refilling just includes the drainage of a radiator and the reservoir.

 

It is then refilled with the some new fluid.  Before draining and refilling it is important to make arrangements on how the fluid should be drained as the old fluid cannot be poured down a drain or on the street.

 

Coolant Flushes and Solvents

 

Clearing contamination in the engine coolant system might be necessary  but  using a flush solvent  or any element  that  is used to clean  the cooling  system  will do more damage than  good. Getting the cooling system flushed using the flushing machine might be the right way but it is important to first ask is coolant flush necessary?

 

This depends on the reasons that have prompted the car owner to consider it but at times it might not be necessary and the cost can be saved. However there could be reasons why someone feels that it is necessary to have a it done and not just because there is coolant flush coupon that would cater for part of the cost.

 

If the PH of the cooling fluid is not the right one, there is a need to for flushing. It is also important to do a flush if it is noted that the coolant has been discolored. When carrying out such service the BMW and Toyota coolant flush cost might be different depending on where it is done but it is necessary to use a flush machine.

 

The advantage of using the flush machine is that there is an assurance that almost all the old coolant will be flushed out. Draining and refilling just removes only 50 to 60 percent of old fluid.

 

Frequency of Coolant Flushes

 

When it comes to maintenance of the cooling system that involves coolant flush how often should it be done? This is something that does not need to carry out frequently. There are mechanics who advise their clients to do it every year but it is not necessary and will only increase servicing cost for nothing.

 

Most of the cars that were built after the early year of 1990s have coolant that can last for at least five years or even longer. For all this period, no maintenance is required. Although this is a good service when there is a necessity to have it done, coolant flushing can be imposed on the customers who do not understand about the time when it should be done by mechanics who want to make extra cash.

 

The best thing to do after being informed by mechanic that there is a need for coolant flushing is to find out the exact reason why it should be done. Check your car manual; it is about 50,000 miles interval before it is needed for such thorough cleaning service.

 

Coolant Test Strips

 

It is possible to establish if there is a need for coolant flush even without the help of a mechanic. This is done by using by using testing strips that can be bought from most of the stores that sell auto spares. These strips make it possible to determine whether the coolant has the right PH.

 

By using the test strips one can establish the level of freeze protection and if there is a need for more additives. If it is necessary for such service the coolant flush kit instructions should be followed. Ensure that everything is needed and ready before starting the exercise.

 

Courtesy of CoolantFlush.net

Legacy and WRX/STI iPad Apps

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All 2012 Subaru model iPad apps are now available! I am pleased to report the new 2012 Subaru Legacy and Impreza WRX/STI iPad apps are complete and live on the iTunes store. Consumers can download these free apps to their iPads to enjoy an engaging, dynamic and visually rich Subaru product experience.

The 2012 iPad® Dynamic Brochure apps have been refined and redesigned to be even more informative and visually interesting for you and your consumers. And, just like the successful online Dynamic Brochure program, the 2012 iPad apps feature beautiful, fully photographic exterior 360 color selectors, dynamic and interactive demonstrations of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the balance of the Subaru BOXER® engine, as well as engaging ways to tell stories like fuel efficiency and STI motorsports heritage. But that’s not all, there’s also fun ways to share Subaru Love and all of the rewards of owning a Subaru.

We really hope you enjoy them and look forward to reading your feedback on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

These iPad® apps can be downloaded for free at:
http://bit.ly/yq8kDq  

 

Courtesy of Subaru

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Interior Cleaning Tips

#1: Refer to the owner's manual before attempting to clean the interior of your vehicle. I've found that many of today's auto components are very sensitive to cleaners. Before you start, test each of the interior materials in small, out-of-the-way locations, where consequences won't be too terrible if it doesn't work out. It's better to be safe than sorry. Do you want to look at the spray pattern from a can of Super Duper Quikkie-Kleen for the rest of the life of your car?

#2: Don't vacuum hard to reach places - instead, blow it out by connecting your vacuum hose to the vacuum outlet. It is most effective to rapidly toggle the power switch on your vacuum between "on" and "off." Here's why. If you blow the debris out at full speed, it's going to fly all over the vehicle. Doing it at a reduced power, however, will move the debris just far enough so you can access it, then easily vacuum it up.

#3: Get a paint brush and a toothbrush. These are the two best tools for accessing hard-to-reach cracks, crevices and corners. The paint brush is great for reaching into deep locations. Vacuum with one hand as you brush those hard-to-reach locations, and you'll quickly clean up tricky spots. Leave both brushes in your glove compartment, so you'll have them when you stop by your local car wash and vacuum emporium.

#4: To thoroughly remove debris from carpets and mats, use a sturdy brush and run a vacuum right behind it. Don't get too aggressive with the brush. Mats and carpets are (sadly) poorly made these days, even on high-end vehicles. You can easily cause fraying or other damage by using too much force.

#5: For gum, wax and other materials use chewing gum remover. It actually freezes the gum, so that it can easily be scraped off. Use a dull paint scraper to remove the gum once it's frozen. If you can't find chewing gum remover, you can also use dry ice. Get the gum cold enough so it will crack when you apply light pressure with the scraper.

Chewing gum remover may not be available at your local automotive parts and accessories store. You may have to purchase it through an auto-detailing company or a janitorial supply company.

#6: Skip the ArmorAll on the interior. I find it actually attracts dust. If you do use it, buff it in with a moist rag.

#7: Be very cautious cleaning the transparent plastic on your vehicle's instrument cluster. A lot of these plastics are extremely soft, and will scratch easily. I use Plexus plastic cleaner.

#8: The dirtiest spots in a car's interior are the locations you touch, meaning the steering wheel, seat belt, the shifting knob and the driver's side door panel. The "V" between your legs, where your Egg McMuffin and coffee winds up, can also be very dirty. Locate these components and plan to spend a few extra minutes cleaning them.

#9: When you're cleaning seat belts, only use a diluted, mild laundry soap. This will protect the integrity of the belt fabric.

#10: Windows should be cleaned inside and out with glass cleaner and paper towels. Then, lightly buff the windows with a 100% cotton towel.

#11: The dashboard and vehicle panels should be wiped with a dampened cloth with water. To remove grime, use an all-purpose cleaner, diluted with water. As always, use the mildest soap possible.

#12: Need to get rid of smells? Vinegar works very well, and it's a whole lot cheaper than commercial products. Start with a 20:1 water-to-vinegar concentration, and scrub thoroughly. If that doesn't work, slowly increase the ratio until you have success.

#13: No matter what you're doing to your car, be gentle. Because of manufacturers' interest in saving a buck, and the desire to increase the EPA fuel economy, a lot of manufacturers are using less durable materials. So, whether you're working on the inside or the outside, be gentle, or you may permanently mar or damage your vehicle.

 

Courtesy of Car Talk