When darkness and rain fall, it's not the best time to discover that your car has a major visibility problem on the road.  In fact, the risks of an accident go up in winter months as darkness and weather conditions increase the everyday risks of driving.

To help car owners assess their risks on the road and make the improvements needed to improve their visibility, 3M Car Care and its spokespeople, automotive experts Sam Memmolo and Courtney Hansen, have teamed up to raise awareness of roadway visibility and driving safety.

"Driving a car that has major visibility problems can be like getting behind the wheel without your glasses," says Memmolo, who has spent three decades restoring and repairing cars in his garage and as the host of major automotive broadcast programs.  "You just aren't going to be able to see well.  This may put you and the people in your car at risk, as well as everyone on the road around you."

Hansen, automotive enthusiast, author and host of "Powerblock" on Spike TV, says she regularly sees cars with hazy headlight lens, dim bulbs, worn windshield wipers, and damaged rear and side view mirrors, all factors that contribute to reduced visibility on the road.  These problems can be easily repaired with some simple solutions. 

Both Memmolo and Hansen encourage all car owners to perform the following vehicle visibility safety check when winter darkness and and rainy or snow weather conspire to increase driving dangers:

Do you feel your car is in good hands when it needs repairs or maintenance? Do you feel comfortable with the diagnoses offered to you by your technician? Do you trust that your repairs are completed safely and thoroughly? The Car Care Council recommends looking for the following characteristics when critiquing and selecting an auto repair shop  to care for one of your most valuable assets:  

    * Is the shop and customer waiting area clean and organized? Cleanliness and organization are signs of a well-run business. 

    * Are customers greeted and treated in a friendly and respectful manner? Many auto repair businesses excel in the area of customer service and satisfaction. A simple phone call to the shop to inquire about their services can give you a glimpse of how they treat customers.
 
     * Does the business have its credentials on display, such as membership in the Better Business Bureau (BBB), certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and membership in various trade associations? Credentials and affiliations are indicators of professionalism and the management's commitment to training and education. 

    * Does the business provide a written estimate? The business should complete a written estimate and request your signature prior to starting any repairs on your car. 

    * Does the business offer a warranty? Most auto repair businesses offer a warranty on parts and labor and the warranty is usually in writing or posted in the waiting area. 

     * Does the business have a list of satisfied customers or references that it is willing to give you? Satisfied customers and recommendations from family, friends and neighbors are helpful in finding a good shop. Many auto repair facilities also have company Web sites that are worth checking out as they often include testimonials and additional information about the business. 

"For most people, a vehicle is their second biggest investment next to a home. It makes sense to take the time to select an auto repair  facility that will take the best care of your investment," says Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. 

There's so much information being broadcast lately about the economy and the high prices we are paying for consumer goods, so AskPatty thought we would offer ways to help you to drive more efficiently with this money saving advice we found at the Car Care Council.

Consider these vehicle conditions that cost consumers millions of dollars in wasted fuel:
    * Loose or missing gas caps
    * Underinflated tires
    * Faulty thermostats
    * Worn spark plugs
    * Malfunctioning engine controls
    * Poor wheel alignment
    * Inefficient driving techniques

How important are vehicle gas caps?
17 percent of the vehicles on U.S. highways have either misused or missing gas caps, causing 147,000,000 gallons of gas per year to vaporize into the atmosphere. (Source: Service Tech Magazine, Sept. 2000)

How do underinflated tires affect fuel efficiency?
Underinflated tires and incorrect wheel alignment can lead to conditions which increase rolling resistance. This is like driving with the parking brake not fully released, it can cost a mile or two per gallon on a car that normally delivers 20 miles per gallon. Correct tire inflation pressure is critical for good fuel economy, safety, maximum tire life and proper vehicle handling performance.

Keep your car in tune:
Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can improve gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent. Results may vary depending on the kind of repair and how well it is performed.

How do dirty air filters affect fuel efficiency?
An air filter clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates what is called a "rich" mixture - too much gas being burned for the amount of air, which both wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

Why should spark plugs be replaced regularly?
A vehicle can have either four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every l,000 miles, resulting in a lot of heat, electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring and that wastes fuel. They need to be replaced regularly.

Are you a wannabe do-it-yourselfer who has been afraid to try to change your own oil? While this task can seem daunting, if done carefully, it doesn't have to be messy or complicated.

This is the third of three simple and eco-friendly steps, so be sure to read the entire series: Changing Your Own Motor Oil  (Wednesday, December 30); Changing and Recycling Your Own Used Oil Filter  (Tuesday, January 5), and Recycling Your Used Oil (Wednesday, January 6).

 After draining the oil from your car's crankcase, pour the oil into a clean, leakproof container with a screw-on top.  Many household containers are suitable, including the original motor oil containers. However, never re-use containers that held household chemicals such as bleach.  Make sure that the container has a secure lid so it cannot spill.  Containers specifically designed for carrying used motor oil also may be purchased at automotive supply stores.
   
If you don't take your used oil to a recycling center immediately, never temporarily store it in any container that once held food, beverages or chemicals.  Regardless of the type of container used for carrying or storing oil, be sure it is clean, clearly labeled "Used Oil," and kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Take the container to the nearest used oil collection center.  If your community doesn't have a collection center, check with your local service station or an automobile maintenance facility such as a lube center, repair shop or car dealership. Also look for the nearest "oil drop."  This is a petroleum industry symbol indicating that used oil is collected for recycling/reuse. You can also search at this link for an oil recycling center using your zipcode. 

Please don't be tempted to dump your oil into the gutter or trashcans: approximately 220 million gallons of used oil are improperly disposed of each year -- and just ONE gallon of used oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of drinking water!

Are you a wannabe do-it-yourselfer who has been afraid to try to change your own oil? While this task can seem daunting, if done carefully, it doesn't have to be messy or complicated. We've broken the process down into three simple and eco-friendly steps, so be sure to read the entire series: Changing Your Own Motor Oil (Monday, January 30);  Changing and Recycling Your Own Used Oil Filter  (Tuesday, January 5), and Recycling Your Used Oil (Wednesday, January 6).

When it's practical and cost effective, empty used oil filters are being collected for recycling.  Check with the used oil collection facility where you take your used motor oil to see if accepts used oil filters, or if it can direct you to a place that does.  

Regardless of how you recycle or dispose of your used oil filter, it must be drained of used oil.  Special handling is required to properly clean an oil filter.

Turn off the engine, block the wheels and set the parking brake before getting under your car.  To avoid burns, make sure that the engine is not too hot.  Consult your owner's manual for directions.

Remove the drain plug on the bottom of the engine's oil pan and allow the used oil to drain from your car into a suitable container such as a drip pan.

Use a filter wrench (if necessary) to loosen the old filter.  Carefully remove the used filter.

Drain the filter of any oil.  The most effective method is to use a sharp tool to puncture the anti-drain back valve (on the filter's flat end) or the filter dome (on its rounded end) and allow the used oil inside the filter to drain into a container appropriate to hold used oil for recycling.  (Anti-drain back valves are present in most automotive and light-duty truck filters.  The valve consists of a rubber flap that creates a vacuum to prevent oil from draining back into the engine when it is not running.  Puncturing the filter breaks the vacuum and releases the trapped oil.)

Place the flat end of the punctured filter on the used oil collection container and drain as much oil as possible out of the filter.  It is important for used oil filters to drain at least 12 hours near engine operating temperature and above room temperature (approximately 60*F).

Install the new filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.  Coat its rubber seal with a small amount of oil, then replace it.  Do not use a filter wrench to tighten the new filter as this may damage the filter.  Instead, tighten it snugly with your fingers, following the directions supplied with the filter.

When you've completed your oil change, don't be tempted to toss your filter into the trashcan: approximately 220 million gallons of used oil are improperly disposed of each year -- and just ONE gallon of used oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of drinking water!

Take the filter (along with your used oil) to the nearest used oil collection center.  If your community doesn't have a collection center, check with your local service station or an automobile maintenance facility such as a lube center, repair shop or car dealership. Also look for the nearest "oil drop."  This is a petroleum industry symbol indicating that used oil is collected for recycling/reuse. You can also search at this link for an oil recycling center using your zipcode. 

Are you a wannabe do-it-yourselfer who has been afraid to try to change your own oil? While this task can seem daunting, if done carefully, it doesn't have to be messy or complicated. Before you begin, be sure you have the proper tools to remove the oil filter and drain plug, as well as a container into which to drain your used oil.

We've broken the process down into three simple and eco-friendly steps, so be sure to read the entire series: Changing Your Own Motor Oil (Wednesday, December 30); Changing and Recycling Your Own Used Oil Filter  (Thursday, December 31), and Recycling Your Used Oil (Friday, January 1).


Changing Your Own Motor Oil
Turn off the engine, block the wheels and set the parking brake before getting under your car.  To avoid burns, make sure that the engine is not too hot.  Consult your owner's manual for directions.

Remove the drain plug on the bottom of the engine's oil pan and allow the used oil to drain from your car into a suitable container such as a drip pan.

If you're changing your oil filter, do it next, following the directions in the next article,  or on the filter itself.  Afterwards, replace the drain plug in the bottom of the engine's oil pan.  Make sure that it's tight.

Carefully add new motor oil.  Although most cars take four to five quarts of oil, always check your owner's manual for the amount of oil required and the recommended grade of motor oil to be used.  Do not overfill.

With the parking brake still set and in a well-ventilated area, start the engine.  The oil pressure light may be on, but it should go out after a few seconds.  Once the light goes out, allow the engine to run for a few more minutes.

Turn off the engine and check the oil level.  Also check around the oil filter and drain plug for oil leaks.

So you know when to change your oil next according to the manufacturer's recommendation in your owner's manual, write down the date and mileage as well as grade and brand of motor oil you installed.

Use a funnel or carefully pour the used oil from the drip pan into a suitable recycling container.  You can reuse the drip pan but do not rinse the residual oil down the drain

When you've completed your oil change, don't be tempted to dump your oil into the gutter or or toss your filter into the trashcans: approximately 220 million gallons of used oil are improperly disposed of each year -- and just ONE gallon of used oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of drinking water! Check back for Part Three and learn How to Recycle Your Used OIl.

Don't let soaring gas prices gobble up your hard-earned money as you travel to visit loved ones over the holidays! Our colleagues at the Car Care Council suggest you to take some time to perform some simple care on your vehicle for better gas mileage. 

Is your car ready for a holiday road trip? The period between Thanksgiving and New Years is one of the most heavily traveled seasons of the year and if you'll be taking a long road trip to visit loved ones, these holiday travel tips can help you improve your gas mileage just by checking a few basic items on the car: 

• Start with the tires and make sure they are inflated properly. When they aren't, it is similar to driving with the parking brake on and can cost a mile or two per gallon. Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and don't forget the spare.  
• Air filters should not be clogged with dirt, dust or bugs. A dirty filter will choke off the air and create a "rich" mixture - too much gas being burned for the amount of air - that wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. A rule of thumb is to have the air filter inspected at each oil change and replaced when dirty, torn, water or oil soaked, or when showing other signs of wear. Replacing a clogged air filter will improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.  
• Spark plugs are an often-neglected maintenance item because of their long-life expectancy. They are one of the hardest working parts of the engine and when functioning properly, they improve reliability and maximize engine performance and fuel economy. Plugs that are worn or fouled can cause the engine to lose power or misfire, which wastes fuel. The replacement interval for spark plugs can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.  A check of the spark plugs is usually part of a routine tune-up during which your automotive technician makes sure other ignition system and /or emission system parts, as well as the onboard computer control system, are working properly. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions.  
• Gas caps should not be damaged, loose, or missing. Make sure you have snugged it tightly enough that you hear three clicks. About 17 percent of the vehicles on the road have loose, damaged, or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.            

In addition to proper vehicle maintenance, motorists can also get better gas mileage by avoiding aggressive driving, which can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and five percent on city streets, and avoiding excessive idling as a vehicle gets zero miles per gallon when sitting idle. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.  

Motorists should observe the speed limit as gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mph driven over 60 will result in an additional 10 cents per gallon. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed on the highway.  

Combining errands into one trip will also save gas and time. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip covering the same distance.  

Motorists should avoid carrying unneeded heavy items in the trunk as an extra 100 pounds can cut fuel efficiency by a percent or two.    

Deep down, you know your car should be checked out before hitting the road for the holidays, but with so many other things left to do, some folks put it off. Bad idea, says the Car Care Council, especially when motorists realize that in as little as 10 minutes, they can determine if their car is ready for long-distance travel.

The 10-minute pre-trip checkup recommended by the council includes the following:

• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

"In a very short amount of time, motorists can identify how road-ready their vehicle is and then take steps to have the problems fixed before heading out for vacation," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "It's a small sacrifice compared to the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down many miles away from home. Plus, if repairs or maintenance are needed, they can be done by a repair shop that knows you and your vehicle."

Additional Holiday Travel Tips:
The council also recommends that wipers and interior and exterior lighting on the vehicle be checked prior to a road trip, and that motorists restock their emergency kit. As a rule of thumb, wipers should be replaced every six months and lighting should be checked monthly.

To save on fuel costs during the trip, the council suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

The AskPatty team attended SEMA last week: members of the Specialty Equipment Market Association make, buy, sell and use all kinds of specialty parts and accessories to make vehicles more attractive, more unique, more convenient, faster, safer, more fun and even like-new again. The TIA (Tire Industry Association), NACE (International Auto Body Congress & Exposition), and  the CARS (Congress of Automotive Repair & Service) conventions overlapped week in Las Vegas and we attended them all. (My feet are still sore from all that walking).

Each year at these events I see more and more women entering the automotive industry or women I know growing in their roles and careers. THIS makes me smile. So to the GUYS; "If you missed seeing them in 2009, these are some of the 'real' women to watch at SEMA in 2010."

Enger Tire won 1st place and one of AskPatty's Certified Female Friendly® tire and service center groups in Virginia Curry's Auto won 2nd place in the Tire Review Magazine Top Shop 2009 awards held during the TIA event on Monday. Judy Curry Co-Owner of Curry's Auto was also named "One of 2009 Women Who Mean Business" of 2009 by the Washington Business Review recently.

At the Car Care Council Women's Board event they announced Lisa Kranc, senior vice president of marketing for AutoZone Inc., as the sixth annual Aftermarket Woman of the Year. I also did some networking with Susan Medick CFO of the AAIA (Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association) and interestingly many key executives of this large automotive association are women: Kathleen Schmatz is CEO and Susan Kalish heads up their education programs! We were also very excited to see Helen Winkler of Activant Solutions receive her award.

A the SBN Breakfast (SEMA Business Women's Networking Group), legendary motor sports hero to women  Lynn St. James was honored with the 2009 Athena Award and so enjoyed networking with many women in leadership in the automotive aftermarket including AskPatty expert woman Director of Business Development - Chop Shop Customs Dana Schaeffer, Erin Gilhuly, TRD Business Administrator Toyota Motor Sales USA and many other amazing women. The speed-networking portion of this event is one of my favorite events each year during SEMA, one can never know enough amazing women (and men supporters a growing number at this event each year), in the automotive aftermarket industry!

During my time at NACE events met with Debby Robinson of Victory Management Group, Dick Cross CEO and Bill Garoutt, SVP of Marketing for CarStar who do a wonderful program in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation with their 375 locations in the US and Canada. Shared a delightful  dinner of coconut pancakes and hot chocolate with Jeanne Silver of Butterfield Bodyworks CarStar Collision shop owner in Mundelein, Illinois, who is very involved in leadership development for women in the collision industry. Jeanne and the Women in Collision are mentoring a young woman named Rachel Fonseca who is seeking a career in the collision industry as a custom body builder in Bedford, Ma. Rachel is currently employed as an Adult  Education Instructor (teaching Collision Repair and Small Engine Repair) at Voc. While studying at Voc she participated in SkillsUSA, becoming the first female in the 34 year Massachusetts's state history to win gold in Collision Repair. Many "Women in Collision" gather to network on a Ning network called CollisionHub, founded by Kristen Felder, a woman of course!

Autumn is the picture-perfect time of year when many drivers take to the road to view the colors. The leaves are beautiful to see, but when wet or in piles, they present driving hazards unique to the season. The Car Care Council reminds drivers to prepare for fall driving conditions by having their vehicles' tires, brakes and wipers checked before heading out.

"Drivers should be aware that wet leaves on the road surface can make stopping difficult, and piles of leaves can obscure potholes, curbs and street markings," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Add to these hazards the fact that road conditions can change from ideal to miserable in a matter of minutes, and what you have is a potentially dangerous situation."

Tires can affect the car's ride, handling, traction and safety, and are a critical connection between the car and the road in all types of driving conditions. To maximize tire life and safety, check the inflation pressure and the tread depth, and inspect the sidewalls for cracks or punctures. As a general rule, tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles and balanced.

The brake system is the car's most important safety system. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car, and brake linings, drums and rotors, as well as brake fluid, should be checked at each oil change.

To help ensure the performance and safety of wipers, blades should be replaced every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering. Windshield wiper fluid should be checked monthly and only washer fluid should be used.