(MS) — When it comes to cars, people seem to have a wide spectrum of opinions. For some, a person’s car is an extension of the driver. For others, a car is merely a way to get from one place to another.

Regardless of a person’s point of view, there comes a time in most car owners’ lives when it’s time to part ways with a vehicle, whether there’s an emotional attachment to the car or not. In some cases, the separation is as easy as calling up the nearest junkyard and having them tow away a clunker to parts unknown. Many more people, however, choose to try and get something for a vehicle before moving on. For those new to selling cars, there are several decisions to be made and things to do to ensure you get the most money for your soon to be former vehicle.

Where to Sell?

This is arguably the biggest decision a seller has to make in the selling process. If you need to unload your car fast, choosing the wrong place to list a vehicle can be very detrimental. For those who can afford some trial and error, where to list a vehicle isn’t nearly as important.

Of course putting a for sale sign in the window always helps, but there are numerous other options available as well. Since most homes now have the Internet, that’s the first place most sellers now go to sell their car. This has its ups and downs. On the plus side, a car listed on the Internet has more prospective buyers than one listed elsewhere, simply because there are no geographic restrictions on the Web. For example, a car being sold in New Jersey could theoretically be purchased by a buyer in California. While this is highly unlikely, due to the global nature of the Internet it’s not impossible.

The downside to selling on the Internet is the current popularity of doing so. The more cars listed on auto sale Web sites, the more likely your car is to get lost in the shuffle. For those looking to sell quick, the Internet probably isn’t your best bet.

On the contrary, a local newspaper classified section could be the quickest way of selling a car (outside of simply trading it in). Here, you know your prospective buyers are within shouting distance, and a daily newspaper ad will ensure your advertisement gets seen at least once daily, probably many more times than that. For those who need to sell fast but don’t want to trade-in, a newspaper classified section will likely be the quickest way to a sale.

How Much Can I Get?

To some, this might seem the most important decision a seller has to make. While it is important, it’s not really a decision on the seller’s part. Thanks to car selling guides such as Kelley Blue Book (which is available online for free), sellers have a guideline by which to sell their cars, and buyers can easily look up any car and see if they’re paying too much. While there exists some leeway and sellers should always try to get the most money, the flexibility with respect to price rests largely on the price the industry says the car is worth, and not necessarily on how much the seller thinks the car is worth.

What Can I Do to Make My Car More Appealing?

There are lots of ways to make a car more appealing to buyers. For the sake of brevity, let’s just consider standard maintenance and cleanup. Any mechanical issues should be addressed on an individual basis and with a mechanic you trust.

Much like selling a house, a car’s curb appeal goes a long way toward selling it. If a car doesn’t look good to a buyer when he or she arrives, the person probably won’t buy it, regardless of its price or how smoothly it may run. Get a car detailed and have it washed and waxed before putting it on the market. In addition, clean the inside as well, including having it vacuumed after the carpet and upholstery has been professionally cleaned. A dirty car, be it on the outside, inside or both, will give prospective buyers the impression that it wasn’t well taken care of, a definite red flag.

Other tricks include changing the oil, replacing the air filter (which can drastically change how smoothly a car drives), keeping the tire pressure up to snuff, and keeping the car smelling fresh. Also, be sure to remove the contents of the trunk (but leave the spare tire). A roomy trunk is always attractive to buyers.
While this might be a bit of hindsight, keep all maintenance records in a file. If you haven’t done this you haven’t done it, and there’s no going back. But if you have kept your records, organize them and make them available to prospective buyers. This will leave a good impression of you as an honest seller, and someone who took care of the car. SC083540

(MS) — When 415,000 car consumers were polled last year about their satisfaction with their vehicles and the propensity to buy/lease again, those with Japanese and European imports were more satisfied than drivers with American automobiles. Toyota (including Lexus) ranks among the highest, according to the 2007 Annual Car Owner Satisfaction Survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The Toyota Prius, for the fourth straight year, was listed as the top car for owner satisfaction. This could be a combination of good Prius performance and the public’s growing interest in environmentally friendly products. The BMW 335i coupe/convertible and Porsche Boxster came in close seconds to the Prius. SC083549

Want Your Car To Really Shine? Don’t Depend On Water Beads!

(MS) — For years the most reliable way to tell if any wax was still on your car’s surface was by careful observation of the water beads after a rain. If the beads were high and small, the wax coating was either fresh or most of it was still there. Large flatter beads meant the wax coating was wearing off and no beading meant the wax was gone.

Most people are under the false impression that if they see any water beading on their car, their wax is still creating the same gloss it did when first applied. Actually, shine diminishes each time a car is washed, driven, or exposed to rain, snow or ice. Simply drying the paint with a cloth after washing can reduce gloss. Don’t be fooled by some of today’s synthetic waxes, as some will continue beading water even though shine has dulled.

If you want to keep your car really glossy with that just waxed look, you should reapply whatever product you use when gloss diminishes. Never depend on water beading to indicate the condition of the shine.

Here’s a simple way to determine the condition of gloss on your vehicle. Just wash and dry the hood. Apply wax to one small section of the hood. Now compare gloss in the waxed and the unwaxed areas by looking at your face’s reflection. If you can see your face more clearly in the waxed section and it looks better overall, then only waxing the entire car will restore maximum gloss.

The telltale sign of a good wax is when the color of your car appears so vivid and deep that the paint actually looks wet. Such is the look many car-show aficionados aim for with their own vehicles.

While veterans of the car-show circuit know the ins and outs of which wax to use, that might not be the case for most other drivers. Unknowingly, some car owners might be applying a wax that actually dulls a car’s finish. Products that claim to wax, clean and remove scratches from paint contain abrasives, which could possibly be removing a little of your car’s paint with each application.

New cars, especially, should not be exposed to waxes containing abrasives. An abrasive-free wax, however, is meant to be applied to clean car paint to create a very smooth and shiny appearance while protecting against nature’s damaging elements. It’s the ideal choice for new cars fresh off the lot or even cars that have just come out of the car wash.

An important ingredient to look for in an abrasive-free wax is Carnauba, an all-natural extract derived directly from the leaves of a unique palm tree. Accustomed to battling harsh weather conditions in the rain forests of Brazil, Carnauba provides the ideal protection for your car’s paint job. All products that contain Carnauba are not necessarily what you’re looking for. Carnauba comes in many different grades, some of which are more durable and provide a longer-lasting finish. Lower grades of Carnauba may not give the shine you expect.

Finding an abrasive-free wax that utilizes the best grades of Carnauba can be difficult. Since 1979, Malm Chemical Corp. is the popular choice among car show veterans, who reportedly pay up to $125 for an 8-ounce jar of high-grade Carnauba paste wax. Along with all-natural Carnauba, Malm’s special formula includes additional unique ingredients, which blend together to yield the best results for your vehicle. Malm also produces a concentrated liquid Carnauba that many users boast can wax an entire vehicle with less than half an ounce.

Malm’s products are sold at a limited number of new Porsche dealers. Check with the manager of parts at a dealership near you. In addition, readers of this article can obtain a special offer of an 8-ounce bottle of Malm’s Concentrated Liquid Carnauba for $24.95 (plus $5 shipping and handling). Along with the 8-ounce bottle, which is good for up to 24 applications, readers will receive a 32-page insider’s guide to detailing titled “Car Detailer’s Secrets.” It covers a multitude of tips on everything from caring for your car’s finish to preventing scratches to washing your car correctly. The limited-time offer is valid for new customers only and comes complete with the company’s strong guarantee: if you don’t think the wax outshines anything you’ve ever used on your car, return it for a full $29.95 refund.

Write to Malm Chemical Corp., PO Box 300, Dept. ME-408, Pound Ridge, N.Y. 10576, or visit them online at www.malms.com. Note: this special offer not shown on the company’s Web site. SC083535

(MS) —Many people don’t know how to select motor oil that will help them get optimum performance out of their car. People often just select the oil their father used, or they may take the suggestion of a counter person at an auto parts store who may not know any more about cars than they do.

There are meaningful differences in motor oils and choosing the right one can have a major impact on how well your car runs. Selecting the right oil is the quickest and cheapest way to improve your car’s performance and reliability.

Two components determine how well motor oil will perform in your car. One factor is the base oil, and the other is the combination of chemicals (additives) that are added to the base oil.

Base oils

The two primary types of base oils used are mineral and synthetic. Mineral oils are by-products of refined crude oil. Refining helps reduces the impurities but leaves molecules of all shapes and sizes. Synthetic oils are manmade compounds where molecules are all the same size and shape; consequently, synthetic oil has a less friction and performs significantly better than mineral oils.

There’s been sizable growth in the use of synthetic oils over the years. In fact, synthetic oils are often the factory fill in many new performance and luxury cars.

Additives

Regardless of the base oil used, chemicals must be added to give motor oil the characteristics needed to do its job. Typical additives that may be added to base oil include detergents to reduce the formation of residue, defoamants to deter absorption of air, anti-wear agents, antioxidants and others.

Although additives are typically only 15 to 25 percent of the make up of motor oil, they can impact a lubricant’s performance much more than the base oil. For instance, mineral based motor oil with a very good additive package can easily outperform synthetic motor oil with a mediocre additive package.

There is no easy way for a consumer to determine the quality of motor oil’s additive package. Price is often an indicator of quality since the more advanced additive technologies cost more to produce. Performance is the ultimate measure of additive package quality.

Advances in lubrication

Some of the biggest technological advances in lubrication are now coming through advancements in chemical additives. These breakthroughs have been developed by a handful of companies that specialize in high-performance lubricants, as opposed to major oil companies whose primary focus is refining and selling crude oil by products like gasoline and other fuels.

One high-performance lubricant company, Royal Purple, has developed lubricants that outperform both leading mineral oils and other synthetics. Their oil has been proven in numerous independent tests to dramatically reduce engine wear, increase horsepower and torque, and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Cars using their oils can also go further between oil changes, saving the owner time and money, and reducing the impact on the environment. More information about their products is available at their Web site www.royalpurple.com

How to Choose

Mineral-based (conventional) motor oils. These are the cheapest and most widely available oils. They typically use standard additive packages that provide minimum levels of performance and protection.

Synthetic motor oils. These man-made oils are more expensive that mineral-based oils but are still widely available. Their performance advantages come predominantly from the synthetic base oil used. They have a longer service life and offer some improvements in protection. They typically use the same additive packages found in mineral-based oils.

High-performance ‘speciality’ synthetic motor oils. These motor oils are the most technologically advanced oils. Although they significantly outperform mineral based or synthetic motor oils, they are about the same price as standard synthetic motor oil. They are typically only available through auto parts stores and select oil change centers. These oils primarily differ in their use of more advanced, proprietary additive technologies.

Still confused? For a used car with little life left in it, stick with the cheap mineral-based motor oil. For a car you plan to keep for a few years and want to get a little better performance from, you should at least upgrade to synthetic motor oil. To get the most performance out of your car, truck or RV, or to protect a vehicle you really care about and want to last, upgrade to a high performance motor oil. SC083538

(MS) — While some drivers might think there’s an increasing amount of SUVs and pickup trucks on the road nowadays, 2007 might have changed such logic. According to an MSNBC list of the top-selling cars of 2007, trucks and SUVs are giving way to more mid-sized sedans, with cars such as the Chevrolet Impala and Nissan Altima being among the top 10 cars sold last year.

One likely reason for fewer SUV and pickup truck sales last year was the high cost of fuel. While SUVs and pickups provide certain benefits smaller sedans and cars simply can’t produce, fuel-efficiency is rarely one of those benefits. Couple that with high fuel costs, and the decline in SUV and pickup sales was no great surprise.

Still, the most popular-selling vehicle of 2007 was Ford’s F-Series pickup, which also was the top-selling car or truck of 2006. While the number of F-Series units sold was not as much in 2007 as the year prior, it was enough to earn the popular pickup series the top spot once again.

And the F-Series wasn’t the lone pickup truck among the top 10. The Chevrolet Silverado was the second most popular vehicle of 2007, while the Dodge Ram came in at ninth on the list.

The rest of the top 10 list was largely made up of import sedans. Honda had two cars rated in the top 10, with their long popular models the Accord (4th) and the Civic (6th) having another strong sales year in 2007. The Toyota Camry was the most popular car in 2007, coming in at third overall. Others to make the list included the Toyota Corolla (5th), the Impala (7th) and the Altima (8th).

Interestingly enough, the Honda CR-V, a smaller SUV offering many of the benefits of a standard SUV and better gas mileage as well, was tenth on the list, proving that consumers still like SUVs, but prefer ones that aren’t so hard on the pocketbook when pulling up to the pump. SC083550

(MS) — Infrequently used vehicles are open to a number of problems that can affect performance. There are a number of reasons why a vehicle might be infrequently used.

1. It is owned by an elderly driver who no longer feels comfortable driving, or only uses the car for quick jaunts to the store.

2. The car belongs to a college student who is not allowed to keep it on campus, or only uses the vehicle on weekends.

3. The vehicle is a classic car or collector’s item that is only taken out in pristine weather conditions.

Vehicles that are infrequently used are susceptible to battery failures, first and foremost. It is important to start the car and charge the battery if the vehicle has been sitting for more than a few days. Moisture accumulating in gasoline lines is also a problem, which will result in poor engine performance or even stall-outs. Vehicles used for frequent, short trips do not have ample time to warm up thoroughly and can fall prey to premature exhaust system failure and excessive engine deposits that can adversely affect engine performance. To remedy these situations, electing someone to take infrequently used vehicles on a long trip at moderate speeds can do wonders for improving long-term performance. SC083542

(MS) — ‘Tis the season to pack a few supplies, get behind the wheel and embark on a road trip adventure.

The convenience of setting your own pace, charting your own course, choosing your destination, and many other benefits to road-tripping push taking a trip by vehicle ahead of other modes of travel.

Setting your sites on some spring fun? Follow these guidelines:

• Get maps and itineraries ahead of time.

• Auto club memberships often have lodging discounts as a perk, so investigate getting on board.

• Have your car inspected and do any preventative maintenance prior to departing on your trip.

• Check cell phone service areas, because roaming fees add up fast.

• Stock an emergency road kit.

• Pack drinks and snacks to minimize the number of stops you’ll have to make, and to save money.

• Remember to have fun. SC083551

(MS) — If predictions from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) hold true to form, 2008 will not come to be known as the year when oil prices went down. In fact, EIA projections for 2008 indicate the year will see historically high prices for major petroleum products, including the fuel used to keep our cars running. Fortunately, drivers are not entirely on their own when it comes to finding ways to cut costs while not drastically changing the lifestyles they’ve grown accustomed to. Motor oil industry leader AMSOIL INC. offers the following tips for drivers looking to take some of the edge off what promises to be another year of escalating fuel prices.

• Improve your vehicle’s performance. Most drivers would love to improve their vehicle’s performance, regardless of the prices at the pump. But few might be aware that doing so doesn’t take an encyclopedic knowledge of cars. For example, simply replacing conventional lubricants with synthetic oils can greatly enhance your vehicle’s performance. This uniform molecular structure of synthetic oil helps vehicles operate more efficiently by reducing friction and wear, improving function in extreme temperatures that are often taxing on cars using conventional lubricants and, best of all, by improving fuel economy, helping to counter those high prices at the filling station.

• Do the little things. When it comes to improving a car’s efficiency, the little things certainly add up. While something such as changing a car’s spark plugs doesn’t seem like a big deal, it is when considering the negative effects of old or dirty spark plugs. Dirty spark plugs do not create the maximum spark, resulting in reduced horsepower and increased emissions. Dirty fuel injectors likewise result in inefficiencies. In addition to improving fuel economy, using a gasoline additive helps keep injectors clean and eliminates the need for costly injector maintenance or replacement. Another easy change is to replace your vehicle’s air filter. A partially clogged air filter drastically reduces a car’s performance, resulting in higher fuel costs and a much less enjoyable ride to boot. Consult your vehicle manual or mechanic as to how often to change your air filter.

• Help the environment and help your pocketbook, too! According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, 68 percent of U.S. oil use is transportation related and the world demand for oil is growing faster than the supply. No wonder we have higher prices. One way to reduce that demand while simultaneously helping the environment is through the use of a premium synthetic motor oil with extended oil change intervals.
Premium synthetic motor oils can remain in service up to eight times longer than their petroleum counterparts. Fewer oil changes will not only save you money, but lead to less waste oil as well, which in turn helps the environment.

• Lighten your vehicle’s load. Drivers often do things that they might not realize are very taxing on their vehicles’ engines and damaging to a car’s efficiency. For example, excess weight in a car can drastically reduce the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, leading to more trips to the filling station and less money in your pocket. Clean out your trunk periodically and remove excess items. Every 200 pounds of unnecessary weight shaves one mile per gallon off your gas mileage. Another way to lighten your car’s load is to be better at planning. Rather than running errands separately, which leads to lots of stopping and starting, write down what errands need to be run and try and run them all at the same time. This will increase your car’s efficiency while likely leading to less time spent running errands as well. For more information and tips, visit www.amsoil.com. SC083557

(MS) — Many drivers do not realize that good tire condition is essential to the performance and safety of a vehicle. Tires can also affect how much fuel is burned, and thus how much you have to pay at the pump.

One set of tires is not designed to last the life of a vehicle. Daily wear and tear and general driving habits could cause tires to pass their prime faster. Here’s how to determine if it’s time to shop for new tires.

1. Take a look at the tread pattern on your tires. Tires have “tread wear bars,” which are small bridges that form between your treads. You will see the beginnings of these bars start to form between the treads, or running across the tires. Once the tread wear bars are flush with the tire’s tread, it’s time to replace the tire.

2. Grab a penny from your pocket and insert it into the tire tread, with Lincoln’s head facing down. A tire with ample tread will go up until at least Lincoln’s forehead. If his hair or any of the penny above his hair is showing, your tires are worn and must be replaced.

3. Pay attention to the performance of your vehicle. If you’ve been losing traction or having trouble stopping, your tires are probably worn. Do the above two tests to confirm.

Tire Maintenance

You can help prolong the life of your tires by taking a few steps. First, it’s recommended to rotate your tires front to rear at regular intervals. This prevents uneven wear depending upon if your vehicle is front- or rear-wheel drive. Automotive experts say all-wheel or 4-wheel-drive vehicles should have all of the tires replaced at once, because differences in tire diameters can damage the differential.

Keep your tires properly inflated for the season. Tires that are not properly inflated will wear more quickly and can compromise vehicle performance and gas mileage.

Other Advice

• Have a competent auto repair shop check your suspension and correct as necessary before replacing tires if extreme uneven wear occurs with your tires. Improper alignment or worn suspension parts can dramatically shorten tire life.

• Buy tires that are the right size and type for your vehicle and rims (wheels).

• Many modern tires have a specific rotational direction and corresponding rotation method, so you can’t just switch the front to the rear. Refer to your tire manufacturer or dealer for details, or consult a reputable shop. SC083543

(MS) — Sunny skies and spring breezes are just around the corner, and that means family vacations, cruising to the beach, driving to cookouts and tailgating at outdoor events. But if your car is still wearing a winter coat of salt, sludge, dirt, and grime, it may well be overlooked at the warm-weather festivities — and it could create long-term performance issues for your car’s engine, undercarriage and paint finish.

But a few simple tips from 3M Car Care can get your vehicle ready for spring style and summer fun in the sun while improving its horsepower, fuel efficiency and drivability.
“Spring cleanup for your car is just as important as cleaning your house or working on your lawn after a long winter,” said John Mailand, technical services manager for 3M Retail Automotive. “The harsh weather can be hard on your car’s mechanical systems, while tough road conditions can wreak havoc on your car’s exterior. With a few easy cleaning and maintenance projects in the spring, you can get rid of winter’s damage and make your car look — and run — great during the warm weather months.”

Mailand knows a few things about cleaning winter-damaged vehicles from his many years in the freezing Minneapolis climate. While 3M engineers complete thorough testing of their products and recommended processes in the laboratory, Mailand and his team take their testing to the streets. In fact, they field tested the new 3M Performance Finish over the winter and found it stood up to 50 washes without losing its shine or protective qualities.

3M Car Care Recommends Exterior Clean-Up and Protection

For the car’s exterior, the key is to get all of the exterior finishes thoroughly washed and restored, then protected with a long-lasting finish to stand up to hot sun and coastal climates. The top 10 tips include:

1. Give it a good bath with 3M Car Wash Soap to remove winter salt, sand, dirt and grime without removing wax protection.

2. Remove the tar and debris with 3M Adhesive and Wax Remover. Just rub it on with a microfiber cloth, let sit for a few minutes to loosen dirt, old wax and tar, then wipe off.
3. Clean the wheels and tires with 3M Wheel and Tire Cleaner to remove brake dust and highway grime.

4. Restore tires to brand new finish with 3M Tire Restorer. Just spray on and wipe off for a deep black luster. 3M Tire Restorer is also good for restoring black plastic bumpers and door handles to showroom style.

5. Protect the clean finish on the wheel hubs or rims with 3M Performance Finish. Just wipe on and wipe off. Not only will it stand up to months of car washes, it also will endure tar and debris from summer road construction.

6. Remove surface scratches with 3M Scratch Remover. This new product quickly removes the scratches from the paint and gradually bring back a high-polish finish. For deeper scratches use One Step Cleaner Wax. This easy to apply wax eliminates surface scratches and restores the shine to the paint finish in one easy step.

7. Give the car a good protective coat of 3M Performance Finish. This innovative finish, which chemically bonds with clear coat finishes, keeps the car’s finish looking good through up to 50 washes. And it is simple to apply with no hazing — just wipe on and wipe off in minutes using a 3M Microfiber Cloth without any worries for residue left in cracks and crevices.

8. Get the glass clean inside and out with 3M Glass Cleaner, which has a unique vertical cling to prevent drips and is safe to use on glass, plastic, chrome, metal and painted surfaces.

9. Protect the upholstery with 3M Leather and Vinyl Restorer, which revives the natural sheen and soft feel of the factory finish.

10. Clean the car’s carpet with 3M Carpet Cleaner and remove winter salt and dirt with 3M Scotchgard™ Fabric and Upholstery Protector spray.

“A great finish is like sunscreen for your car,” added Mailand. “It makes the car shine while protecting from damaging sunshine. Once you’ve cleaned and protected your car, all you need to do is wash it at least once a month to remove dirt and tar. You’ll be ready to cruise all summer long.”

Give Your Car an Extra Boost for Summer

It isn’t just the exterior of the car that needs a little extra cleanup from winter — so be sure to check the car’s mechanical system, fluids and components. 3M recommends eight easy tasks that can be done at home to improve the car’s performance during hot weather, including:

1. Clean the engine bay to remove damaging residue. Warm up the engine for a few minutes, then spray water throughout engine compartment with hose and nozzle. Spray 3M Engine Degreaser on the engine and use 3M Tire Restorer on rubber hoses to add moisture and prevent cracking. Spray underbody of car and wheel wells to remove salt and sand.

2. To improve towing performance and transmission longevity, use 3M Transmission Oil Treatment, which reduces formation of sludge and varnish; improves protection against wear for moving parts and metal components and increases shear stability to maintain fluid viscosity and reduce oil thinning.

3. Prevent rough idling with 3M Throttle Plate and Carb Cleaner. Just spray it on to the throttle plate to clean, lubricate and increase engine performance.

4. Add 3M Complete Fuel System Cleaner to clean fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers for maximum power and fuel economy.

5. Check the tire pressure and fill to the manufacturer's recommendation. Hot weather increases tire pressure, which can lead to blown tires on the highway — not a great way to spend your vacation time.

6. Prepare door, hood and trunk hinges, locks and other moving parts with 3M Multi-Purpose Spray Lubricant. This lubricant is four products in one — it lubricates, penetrates, displaces water and resists corrosion.

7. Flush the coolant system and check your fluids. Summer driving can mean lots of bugs on the windshield, so be prepared.

8. Check the battery. If it is four years or older, it might be a good time to replace it, particularly if the car is operated in a cold climate.

"Whether you’re cruising the beach or just cruising to the office, your car gets more attention during the spring and summer,” Mailand said. “Now you can make your car look great — quickly and cost efficiently — while enjoying the sun in your own driveway. At 3M Car Care, we're focused on providing consumers — whether new DIYers or automotive enthusiasts — the smart solutions to get the job done right, all backed by 3M's trusted science and innovation."

The 3M Car Care product line is a comprehensive line of 3M products for automotive maintenance. The innovative product line includes performance cleaning products, waxes, compounds, glazes, adhesives, abrasives and specialty products, previously available exclusively to the professional market. 3M's Automotive Aftermarket Division serves the automobile owner and hobbyist as well as professional body shop, recreational vehicle and mechanical service markets.

The 3M Car Care product line can be found at leading automotive aftermarket retailers and online through select distributors. For more information on 3M Car Care products, visit www.3Mcarcare.com. SC083583

(MS) — Considered the top spectator sport in the country, the auto racing industry is a multi-billion dollar business with 75 million fervent fans. Attending an auto race is unlike any other sporting event. NASCAR races regularly attract more than 100,000 fans, many of which travel from track to track in RVs decked out in the colors and paraphernalia of their favorite drivers.

Tailgating is taken seriously, with weekend-long activities culminating with Sunday’s big race. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or first- time fan, take the track in stride with some simple tailgating tips offered by CN8’s Lynn Doyle.

The eight-time Emmy Award-winning host of CN8’s nightly “It’s Your Call” is spotlighting auto racing in a year-long series, “Trackside 101,” which explores the thriving sport, its devoted fans and talented drivers. Throughout the year, “It’s Your Call” will report from NASCAR tracks, speak with auto racing experts and even visit a few tailgate parties.

“Auto racing as a sport, a business and a cultural phenomenon is truly remarkable,” said Doyle. “I’m excited to explore all facets of the industry with ‘Trackside 101’ and there is no better way to get in the racing spirit than by taking part in a tailgate.”
Following are a few of Doyle’s tips to throwing a triumphant tailgate party:

• Arrive early and stay late. “For auto racing fans, the weekend tailgate is almost as enjoyable as the race itself,” advises Doyle. “Scoring a prime location is key to setting the scene for a successful party.” While some fans set up camp a few days before the big event, plan to at least arrive several hours before the event kicks off and stay for a couple of hours after the race has ended to enjoy the tailgate, avoid traffic and make the most of your race experience.

• Show your colors. “Tailgates are a great place to meet fellow fans and form friendships that can last a lifetime,” says Doyle. Whether you’re cheering on Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon, get out your gear and show some spirit. Wear a shirt or decorate your vehicle and you will find that fellow fans will flock to you to discuss your favorite driver and the big race.

• Food, food, food! Arguably the best part about a good tailgate is the food. Even those new to auto racing can impress their friends and fellow fans with the right food. “Have some fun and create a themed menu honoring whatever city you’re in or after your favorite driver’s hometown,” Doyle suggests.

• Hit the highway. With racetracks all across the country, take a road trip and see your favorite sport somewhere new and different. “This is a great way to experience a new city, see some of the country and enjoy the thrill of racing,” said Doyle. “Trackside 101” will showcase several of these locations including: Daytona International Speedway, Dover International Speedway, New Hampshire International Speedway, Richmond International Speedway and more.

A year-long series showcasing all things auto racing, “Trackside 101” airs on “It’s Your Call” on CN8, The Comcast Network. The show will visit several racetracks, featuring live reports, exclusive interviews and an in-depth look at the popular sport.

“It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle” is an Emmy Award-winning, issues-oriented talk show that begins where the nightly news stops. It's part news/talk and part barometer, gauging the attitude and emotions of CN8’s viewers. The show airs live weeknights from 9–10 p.m. on CN8 with a 30-minute version airing Sundays at 9 p.m. that highlights the hot topics making headlines through debate and personal stories.

To learn more about “It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle” or to watch the show online, please visit www.CN8.tv. CN8 is the nation’s preeminent regional 24-hour cable network, producing live, original and interactive programming covering the worlds of sports, politics, personal finance, issues, entertainment and more. SC083588

(MS) — Conserving gasoline is easier than you think. Given today’s high prices and concerns for the environment, what are you waiting for? Here’s time-tested advice from the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on ways to use less gasoline.

• Check tire pressure. Under-inflated tires and poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder.

• Consolidate your daily trips and errands.

• Avoid excessive engine idling. Shut off your vehicle while waiting for friends and family.

• Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.

• Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually.

• Remove clutter and unused items. Less weight means better mileage.

• Keep your engine operating at its peak efficiency. A misfiring spark plug or clogged filters cut into gas mileage.

• Follow the service schedules listed in your owner’s manual and have the work performed by qualified technicians.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was founded to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE insignia and carry credentials listing their area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for more car care tips. SC083595

(MS) — Drive a car, SUV or light truck today and you’ll figure out that vehicles are no longer machines designed only to transport people from point A to point B. They’re quickly evolving into business and entertainment hubs, offering many of the conveniences of home.

As personal entertainment technology grows by leaps and bounds, automotive companies are continually looking at new ways to modify the features of vehicles to interest the “techie” demographic. With this in mind, Ford Motor Company and Microsoft teamed up to produce the award-winning Ford SYNC™ in-car connectivity system that is slated to be in every Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks by the end of 2008.

In his keynote address at the 2008 International CES in Las Vegas, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates announced that Ford will expand SYNC to nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks by the end of 2008. Gates also confirmed a new “911 Assist” feature that will help drivers connect with emergency assistance in the event of an air bag deployment.

Introduced in the fall of 2007, SYNC provides customers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players — Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes and other MP3 players – and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicle and operate the devices via voice commands or with the buttons on the steering wheel or radio.

SYNC has been very popular. The new technology – which is exclusive to Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles – topped 30,000 unit sales in its first three months on the market. In fact, Ford says SYNC is on track to reach 1 million sales in early 2009.

In addition to the new 911 Assist feature, SYNC is being updated this year to create, on demand, easy-to-understand reports that owners can use to monitor the health of their vehicles. Plus, because it is a software solution, SYNC will be able to be updated as new innovations arise in this technology.

“From the start, we pursued an updatable software solution with SYNC, using the consumer electronics business as our model,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “The ability to add functionality and update the system to work with new devices is what makes SYNC unique in the industry right now. It is a strategy that will benefit our customers over time by ensuring their systems do not become outdated.”

Safety Standards

Research shows that safety continues to be a leading driver of purchase consideration. In the event of a serious accident with an air bag deployment, the ability to directly contact the local 911 emergency operator could be a critical need — for both vehicle occupants and the first responders. Beginning later this year, SYNC can help.
When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC — which is designed to happen every time the driver enters the vehicle with his or her cell phone — the system will be ready to assist in placing a call to a local 911 emergency operator should an air bag-deploying accident occur.

Before initiating the emergency 911 call, the system will provide a 10-second window to allow the driver or passenger to decide whether to cancel the call. If not manually cancelled within the 10-second window, SYNC will place the emergency call. A pre-recorded message will play when the call is answered, and occupants in the vehicle will then be able to communicate directly with the 911 operator.

“Being connected means being able to get the help you need, when you need it,” Kuzak said. “With SYNC, and specifically with the 911 Assist feature, we will be providing our customers an extra layer of security and peace of mind.”

Other Features

Apart from 911 safety features, the technology allows drivers to make calls, and listen to music conveniently from their vehicles. SYNC connects people and their favorite portable devices while in the vehicle, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.

To learn more about SYNC, visit your local Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealership and speak to a salesperson, or visit www.ford.com. SC083597

(MS) — When summer comes and it’s time to switch on your car’s A/C, it might not blow as cold as you’d like it to. In fact, it could even be blowing hot air.

Some estimate that older vehicles can lose as much as 15 percent of their air conditioning refrigerant every year, leakage generally caused when the system is not used during the winter months. During these months, the system’s small O-ring seals dry out resulting in refrigerant loss and deterioration in system performance.

The good news is, bringing back the cool to your car’s A/C and enjoying a sweat-free ride to work doesn’t have to mean an expensive stop at the corner garage.

Automotive air conditioning technology has produced a new generation of easy-to-use, do-it-yourself products that makes bringing the cool back to your car simple, easy and a lot less costly than that trip to the mechanic’s.

These user-friendly products are equipped with built-in gauges and easy-to-follow directions. You don’t need to be a certified auto technician to use them; if you’ve ever filled a tire with air, restoring your car’s cool with these products is just about as easy.

This year, Interdynamics, one of the world’s leading suppliers of auto A/C products, has made restoring your car’s A/C performance easier than ever with their innovative Smart Charge™ A/C Recharge Kit.

Smart Charge™ has a computer-chip design which provides for precise A/C diagnosis and charging. Its electronic gauge give you both a color-coded visual readout and sound cues to let you know when your A/C is back to 100 percent. The device is a fast, simple, money-saving, and guess-free way to restore your car’s A/C performance. And when used with Interdynamics Arctic Freeze® R-134a refrigerant, you get colder air up to 50 percent faster. In the dead of summer you’ll really appreciate the immediate relief and comfort this higher-performance cooling means.

These easy-to-use do-it-yourself A/C recharge products are available at leading automotive parts stores. SC083598

(MS) — It happens without warning. You’re driving down the road and suddenly a stone hits your windshield. Now you have a potential safety issue on your hands that needs to be taken care of immediately. The initial damage, which may appear in the form of a bullseye, chip, or star on the glass, can be easily fixed. But, if left unrepaired, this small fracture will be expanded by vibration or changes in the temperature, creating a larger crack that may require a professional repair or even a new windshield replacement. So, unless you are able to get your insurance company to pick up the tab, you could be looking at a repair bill anywhere from $50 to 800.

The good news is you can fix a windshield chip yourself for about $10, and you don’t have to have to take your car to a shop.

Permatex® has developed a special Windshield Repair Kit that fills in the ding, stops the damage from spreading, and helps to minimize the blemish on the glass. The kit comes complete with everything needed to make a permanent, professional-quality repair in minutes, including easy-to-follow instructions with step-by-step photos. To see how simple the kit is to use, check out Permatex’s how-to demo video online at: www.permatex.com/videos/video_windshield_eng.html

So, whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a pro, you can repair a windshield chip without the need for special tools or training. You should be able to get Permatex’s Windshield Repair Kit at leading auto parts stores. If not, you can contact Permatex directly at 877-376-2839 or go to www.permatex.com to find a retailer near you. SC083599

By Mary McNally

(MS) — Around our house, we try to reuse, return, recycle, repurpose – whatever “re” comes in handy at the time: excess food goes into the compost bin, which becomes mulch for landscaping; food storage baggies get cleaned then reused or repurposed – every little bit helps to reduce our footprint on the planet.

With what may be an early spring this year, people are turning their attention to the outdoors, which isn’t necessarily a green space when you think about planes, trains, and automobiles, oh my! Classic cars come out of winter hibernation, tops come down on convertibles as families go out for a Sunday drive, power boats hit the lakes and big, fat choppers head up the highway for a little free-wheeling fun. The fact is that vehicles of all kinds have become a part of our culture, our recreation and our survival, so it’s good to think about additional ways we can integrate environmental products, practices and philosophies in and around our automobiles, wherever possible.

When it comes to reducing, severe drought conditions in several southeastern states have caused people to reduce consumption in every respect. While those areas have captured media attention in the last several months, the reality is that much of the nation feels the need to conserve natural resources, especially water, on a regular basis. One car-care solution we’ve found is The Glosser, a three-layer microfiber cloth that basically washes, waxes and dries, without using any water. The outer layers lift dirt and grime from the surface of the vehicle while the inner layer deposits cleaner and polish to renew the protective wax coat, which is especially important under the blazing summer sun.

Reusing is another subject entirely as dead metal has become the inspiration for some of our finest yard art (all redneck jokes aside). One product we reuse faithfully in the garage and around the house, though, is The Absorber. The absorber is a drying product that can be used again and again. If we do wash the car – or, in fact, the dogs – we use The Absorber to dry either one off, although honestly, we do use different ones for the car than we do for the dogs. It’s quite literally a super-huge, thin, towel-shaped sponge that uses osmosis to pull water from the surface of the car, a spill on the kitchen floor or water from our dogs’ thick fur coats. We even take the silly thing camping and use it as a towel because you can wring it out and use again (although it’s not quite as luxurious as thick, soft cotton, I don’t tend to take those towels with me when we go camping). The interesting thing seems to be, the more absorbers we have, the more uses we find. It turns out, they’re quite a handy tool that we use all around the house, then pop them into the washing machine when they need to be cleaned.

When it comes to recycling and cars, especially as cars are hauled out for spring cleaning and their annual overhaul, it’s critically important to dispose of fluids and used parts properly. Antifreeze, for instance, is poisonous to pets and children, who are attracted by its sweet taste. Older cars’ air conditioners were once the largest source of CFC’s that harm the ozone layer; they need a special “vampire” system that pumps the refrigerant out of the compressor and cleans it for reuse. More than 70 percent of the lead used in the US today is used in automobile batteries and it’s estimated that 10 percent are not disposed of properly. Tires can be turned into a variety of useful products, from tug boat fenders to paving, yet only about 27 percent of scrap tires are recycled. And if the car just flat dies, there are auto wreckers that will strip the car of its usable parts and resell them before recycling reusable metals. Whatever you do, make sure to make the most (or conversely, the least) of what you have.

If these handy products sound interesting to you and you need to figure out where to find them, try this number: 800-654-3933. Or, if you have ideas for other uses or other products, submit them at our website: www.cleantools.net. SC083603

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