Hello again, AskPatty Nation! Today we're going to give you some honest, blunt relationship advice, because it's come to our attention that some of you are users. Now, we don't mean to judge, you probably didn't realize you were doing it, but you're smothering your significant other. He really needs to breathe... so change that air filter already! Of course, we're talking about taking care of your car's engine. You didn't think we meant your boyfriend, did you?

Mother’s Day is that day each year for us to honor that special Mom in your life: Whether you’re choosing something special for the mother of your children or for your own mother, AskPatty has plenty of advice to share on gift ideas she is sure to love.

Choosing the right gift can be a challenge, so we've gathered up some gift ideas that should be perfect for your car-loving Mom. Some are practical, some are elegant, but all of them will please a Mom-on-the-go -- regardless of whether she's cruising a beatup old minivan, or tearing up the tarmac in something sportier.

Hello again, AskPatty Nation! The folks at FRAM^® were kind enough to send me one of their Fresh Breeze cabin air filters (gratis, in fact - thanks FRAM®!) to try out. If you're a little mystified as to what a cabin air filter is, you're not alone – check out our Filtration Education article from last month for all the details. Believe it or not, I didn't think my car actually had a cabin air filter until I started this process – which means of course that mine had never been changed. Let that be a lesson to you all: don't assume you don't have one – look it up! The FRAM Fresh Breeze^® website has a comprehensive list of models they support, and installation really is a breeze. Let's take a look at the process:

I drive a 2006 Kia Rio, and I love her. I tend to drive cars until the wheels fall off, rather than searching for a new one every few years, so I plan on taking this one well into six digits on the odometer in the years to come. In my particular model, the cabin air filter sits inside the dash, behind the glove box. Some cars have the filter in a different spot, sometimes even in the engine compartment, so this is by no means a comprehensive installation guide (unless you also happen to drive an '06 Rio). The first order of business for installation was to remove the glove box, which turned out to be the hardest part of the process.

Looking for a new car? How about a new date? Mini Cooper can help you with both!

Thanks to Mini's new "Connect Us" app, your new Cooper can also find you the perfect partner for your next dating adventure. Mini's innovative connectivity app --available for download exclusively on April 1, 2013 -- features outstanding profile matching using analysis of restaurant tips, favorite points of interest, news feed choices, Facebook posts and, of course, driving style (as recorded by the Driving Excitement Analyzer).

I always keep ChapStick in the cup holder of my car for a lip fix. A quick swipe is the extent of my makeup ritual. However, after observing a friend apply a full face while I was driving one day, I started thinking about what I should keep in the car for an instant touch-up.

In truth, your car can serve as the perfect dressing room. There’s enough natural light to see what you are doing and there’s a built in vanity mirror for close-ups.


However, before you read on, know that the following tips are not meant for when you are driving, stopped at a light or in a traffic jam. Putting makeup on is for those times when you are sitting in the car waiting for your kids to get out of school, parked in a lot waiting to go in for an appointment or clocked into a meter. Bottom line: NO APPLYING MAKEUP WHILE DRIVING.

Carefree, Arizona: For the 2013 model year Toyota is giving RAV4 customers a little less and a little more for their money. The “more” category includes a complete interior and exterior redesign, a new engine, new six-speed transmission, and new all-wheel-drive system. Under the “less” heading, Toyota has filed its V6 motor, which was previously available as an option on this compact SUV, as well as removed the optional 3rd-row seat. The 2013 RAV4 starts at $24,145, including destination. The 4th generation RAV4 is significantly more refined and distinct from the first models that came to market in 1994 as ’95 editions with little competition; since Toyota has sold 1.7 million RAV4s in 150 countries and says some 80 percent are still on the road. The latest edition now joins 45 crossovers, including its direct competitors, the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Chevy Equinox. Toyota’s California design team penned the new model for the U.S.; it gets 8 standard airbags (including driver side knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag and side airbags for front and second row) and a standard backup camera, as well as optional goodies like Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and a height-adjustable power liftgate.

Outside, the all-new RAV4 has the profile of an Olympic cyclist, with a low front bumper shape that wraps up from below like handlebars and a roofline that slopes steeply back from the A-pillar like a hunched-over speed racer. Glistening headlamps have an asymmetrical shape that slants inward toward the nose, which features a V-shaped grille that emphasizes this “cute ute’s” more aerodynamic look. The rear of the ute, which features an integrated spoiler with LED lights, has a bulbous shape that belies the cargo space inside. We’re thrilled that a liftgate replaces the swinging rear door of previous model years which also held the spare tire; standard steel wheels are 17 inches, with 17- and 18-inch alloys available on higher-end trim lines. The spare is now tucked under the cargo floor.

When you think about your car's air filter, you probably think of something that's under your hood. Something that gets changed along with your regular scheduled service visits, and otherwise doesn't require much thought. Well, today we want to talk a little about the other air filter found in many of today’s newer cars, the cabin air filter. Ask the average driver on the road and they may not know that such a thing exists. Not only does it exist, it's also an essential part of a car's ventilation system! Your cabin air filter helps stop allergens and pollutants from reaching the inside of your car - and more importantly, from reaching the sensitive noses of drivers and passengers like you and your family.

Why cabin air filters?

If you're one of the millions of drivers who suffer from allergies, you probably drive with the windows up and the A/C on (weather permitting, of course), thinking you're safe from pollutants floating about in the air outside... well, you're wrong! You may be surprised to learn that the air inside your car can be up to six times dirtier than the air outside. Six times! No wonder you can't keep enough tissues. Even if you're not an allergy sufferer, dirty air isn't good to breathe. Dust and dirt in the air just isn't healthy, and that's why many cars on the road today are equipped with a special cabin air filter to clean the air inside the car, helping to ensure that you and your family can breathe easy.

How do cabin air filters work?

A cabin air filter uses an accordion of very, very fine fiber material, but there's more than meets the eye here. Inside that little accordion structure is a network of intricate sieves that filter particles from the air coming into your car. As air flows into the filter, particles are trapped in those sieves, even down to the microscopic level! The FRAM Fresh Breeze^® cabin air filter, for instance, will filter particles all the way down to five microns. Microns are the standard unit used by scientists to measure particles in the air, and also the measurement used by the manufacturers of air purifier products. To give you an idea of the size we're talking about, a micron is only one one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair. That's tiny! All in all, a FRAM Fresh Breeze^® cabin air filter filters 98% of dust, dirt, and allergens from the air inside your car, and since we spend an average of 18 hours every week behind the wheel, clean air is extremely important.

How do I care for my cabin air filter?

If your car has a cabin air filter, it is usually located under the vehicle's dashboard, or in the glove box, but sometimes it's in the engine compartment. Generally, it is a very easy install that can be done at home in less than 15 minutes! You'll want to change your air filter annually or every 12,000 miles to keep your air not only clean, but fresh too! The FRAM Fresh Breeze^® cabin air filter is the only cabin air filter that uses the natural deodorizing qualities of ARM & HAMMER^® baking soda. These two powerhouse brands have joined forces to help absorb odors and freshen the air, making your sweet ride that much sweeter.

So how do I get one?

First, determine if your car has a cabin air filter component. Many do, but some don't. You can learn if your car is equipped with a cabin air filter at the FRAM Fresh Breeze^® website – www.framfreshbreeze.com. Once you've done that, it's as simple as ordering online at Amazon.com, or you can always find FRAM products at your local Walmart or O'Reilly Auto Parts.

 

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The Costco Auto Program today announced the outcome of its most-recent offer with General Motors. Preliminary sales results for the Chevrolet, Buick and GMC Special Offer indicate the number of eligible vehicles sold is more than 15,000 – nearly triple the final sales results of last winter’s promotional offer from the Costco Auto Program and GM. The Chevrolet, Buick and GMC Special Offer took place Oct. 2, 2012, through Jan. 2, 2013.

During the promotional period, Costco members were able to purchase select 2012 and 2013 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models at GM Preferred Pricing, in addition to receiving all publicly available rebates and incentives. Moreover, Costco members who made an eligible purchase qualified to receive a $500 Costco Cash Card after completing a Costco Auto Program member satisfaction survey. “The Chevrolet, Buick and GMC Special Offer exceeded our expectations but we’re not surprised by it,” said John Gleason, Costco Services Manager. “Costco makes every effort to ensure members receive a great value and exceptional service".

The results clearly show our members recognize the great values the Costco Auto Program delivers.” The Costco Auto Program attributes the offer’s overall success to several factors; including, the diverse selection and popularity of eligible vehicles, comprehensive messaging to Costco members, national public relations efforts and word-of-mouth.

Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift? We've assembled a fun assortment of automotive-focused products sure to make your Valentine's Day fun and special -- and some of them even offer special discounts for AskPatty readers! Whether you're looking for Valentine's Day gifts for him or her, we've selected a variety of items that are perfect for the car lover you love to love. If you want to express your Valentine's Day love in an automotive way, there's something in here for everyone! Valentine's day is just around the corner, so shop now to get your gifts in time.

The Nation's longest running auto show in Chicago opened it's doors for a media preview of this year's latest and upcoming redesigned and brand new models.  Here is  a sneak peek at what we saw at this years show:

Jaguar introduced their latest XJ and XF models which will feature AWD 3.0 Liter V6 engines. The XF will also be available in RWD and XFR-S. The XFR-S is 550 hp and, "is one serious motorcar," said Jaguar and Land Rover President, Andy Goss. Meanwhile the manufacturer also introduced their fourth generation Range Rover which will feature an all aluminum body. "Everything about this Range Rover is new except the engine," Goss added. They will also be releasing a two seater F-type sports car, "which is our most important new car we have released in many years." 

Also in the new car mix is Kia who introduced a very svelte concept crossover and their new Superhero, DC Comics inspired line.  Michael Sprague Executive VP of Kia's Marketing and Communications gave a glimpse of models with superhero paint, logos, and trims. The Optima Hybrid and Sorento will be available in this line and Kia's  'hero' theme ties in with their  Builtforjustice.com program which helps those located in the Horn of Africa. Kia will also have, "seven all new significantly redesigned vehicles to go on sale this year," Sprague said. The Kia Forte is one of those redesigns which will be available in March. The Forte will offer two trims and will be a turbo charged compact which features 201 hp. 

Nissan's VP Joe Castelli introduced the manufacturer's expansion of their Nismo option which now includes a Juke Nismo and 370 Z Nismo. There will also be a Nissan GTR track edition which will sell 150 units.  This highly anticipated GTR track edition will feature an even greater level of high performance components.