Teach Teens To Drive Safely And Save Their Lives

Teach teens to drive safely - and save their lives. Young drivers lack the experience necessary to be safe behind the wheel. Make sure they know they must wear a seat belt, why not to talk on the phone or text, why not to drive when they are tired and why they should never drink or take drugs and drive a vehicle.

(ARA) - In 2009, 3,466 teenagers died in the United States from automobile crash injuries, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Such injuries are by far the leading public health problem among youths 13 to19 years old. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. Mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers. The crash risk among teenage drivers is particularly high during the first months of licensure.

An IIHS review of recent literature confirmed that driver age and experience both have strong effects on driver crash risk. Crash rates for young drivers are high largely because of the driver's immaturity combined with driving inexperience. The immaturity is apparent in young drivers' risky driving practices such as speeding. At the same time, teenagers' lack of experience behind the wheel makes it difficult for them to recognize and respond to hazards. They get in trouble trying to handle unusual driving situations, and these situations turn disastrous more often than when older people drive.

Research shows which behaviors contribute to teen-related crashes. Inexperience and immaturity combined with speed, drinking and driving, not wearing seat belts, distracted driving (cellphone use, loud music, other teen passengers, etc.), drowsy driving, nighttime driving and other drug use aggravate this problem.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA) recommends a multi-tiered strategy to prevent motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries among teen drivers: Increase seat belt use, implement graduated driver licensing, reduce teens' access to alcohol and increase parental responsibility.

* Keep your hands on the wheel.
* Keep your eyes on the road.
* Keep your hands and eyes away from your cellphone while driving.

"You need to teach safe driving behavior from the beginning," says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. As the parent, you can start by modeling safe driving behavior whenever you drive your children, from the time they are infants."

Give teens an edge by teaching them some basics about cars and the rules of the road early, well before they hit driving age. Ease them into driving with short trips in familiar areas, at low speeds, in daylight and with an adult. Choose a safe car that is predictable in its handling and easy to drive.

Insurance carriers often offer good student and safe driving discounts for teens. Parents can include these incentives in the discussion regarding safe driving. Fireman's Fund recommends parents use devices such as Cellcontrol to disable cellphone use while driving.

Munson also suggests parents talk to their teens about safety issues and the rules they are setting. Explain each one of your rules and the consequences for breaking it. Write up a contract with your teen driver to make sure they drive by the rules and drive as safely as possible. Include the most important issues. Here's a sample:

Spell out the rules:
1. Alcohol: Absolutely no alcohol
2. Seat belts: Always buckle up
3. Cellphone/texting: No talking or texting while driving
4. Curfew: Have the car in the driveway by 10 p.m.
5. Passengers: No more than one at all times
6. Graduated drivers license: Follow the state's GDL law
7. Parental responsibility: Set your house rules and consequences

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2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

When Mercedes-Benz decided to take on SUVs head-on, it didn't hold back much. First it fielded a competitor for the Explorer and Grand Cherokee with the M-Class. In short order it added the R-Class crossover, a smaller GLK ute, and at the top of its new sport-ute lineup, it introduced the GL-Class, a three-row, full-size SUV staged to compete with the Escalade, Navigator, even the Range Rover.

The GL had been planned to replace the military-grade G-Class, but doesn't look the part. It's still one of the more angular designs Mercedes has fielded, and where the same theme doesn't quite work on the compact GLK, it fits the big, brawny GL like a muscle tee. The Benz star on the front end looks as big as a Civic steering wheel--proportional to a body that's nearly as big as a Suburban. It's a fuss-free look that forgoes the overstated luxury of the Escalade and Infiniti's QX for clean surfaces and a double helping of straight lines. The interior's quite a bit more overtly luxurious, with wood trim and glints of metallic trim; its controls are laid out well, and there are fewer of the tiny, inscrutably labeled switches than in Mercedes' past. This year brings some minor tweaks, like LED daytime running lights.

Three drivetrains are offered on the GL, with the diesel-powered GL350 BlueTEC being our choice. With 400 pound-feet of torque and 210 horsepower, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel doesn't feel as slow as its 9.4-second 0-60 mph estimated acceleration times. The diesel's torque is a great match for off-roading (though the available off-road package of skid plates isn't offered on it). Fuel economy is rated at 17/23 mpg--better than the Tahoe or Escalade Hybrid--and there's only a hint of the diesel thrumble that signals the type of engine underhood, the kind that delivers about 600 miles on one tank of fuel.

The gas engines on offer are considerably higher in horsepower, and lower in gas mileage. The GL 450's 4.6-liter V-8 guts out 335 hp without protest, but it isn't that much quicker than the diesel, and fuel economy drops to 13/18 mpg. At the top of the range, the 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 in the GL 550 can deliver a 0-60 mph time of about 7.4 seconds. Its buff pricetag and correspondingly muscular performance had better be worth it, since fuel economy of 12/17 mpg will exact its own price.

On all versions, the GL shifts power through a seven-speed automatic to all four wheels, with an electronic all-wheel-drive system that limits wheelspin through anti-lock braking, a system pioneered on the M-Class. The transmission's well-suited to the gas engines; with diesels, we've noted a little more shift shock. Handling is very good for the class, maybe the best of all the full-sizers, with good steering response and a firm ride that can get a little jittery with the biggest 20-inch wheels. The price for smarter cornering in all Benz SUVs is a little more side-to-side head toss, and it's evident in the GL.

The GL's three rows of seats are capable of seating an adult in every one of its seven positions, something that isn't as easy in an Escalade because of its doors and seat-folding mechanisms, or even possible in a five-seat Range Rover. The front seats are as spacious as any big SUV, and they can be fitted with ventilation, a luxury feature we've come to appreciate. Three adults will fit in the second row if they're medium-sized. The surprise is the third-row seat, where the space and seating actually is large enough for a grown person to sit comfortably, even if they're a little taller than the norm. The third row also folds out of sight for more cargo storage--important since the GL isn't as vast as the GM SUVs when it comes to storage behind the back bench.

Safety tests haven't been performed on the low-volume GL, but it offers standard curtain airbags, stability control, all-wheel drive, a rearview camera and Bluetooth. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors are also available.

Every GL-Class ute has standard power front seats; a power-fold feature for the third-row seat; a glass sunroof over the rear two rows of seats; a COMAND controller for climate, audio and navigation systems; Bluetooth; and an AM/FM/six-DVD changer. The diesel GL350 BlueTEC has 20-inch rims, and the GL450 gets 19-inchers. Leather seating is not standard on the GL-Class; Mercedes says it's because some owners want cruelty-free upholstery, so be sure to tick the pricey option box if you're shopping. Most of those features, including leahter, are made standard on the top-flight GL550, which also gets 21-inch wheels and tires. Major options include a navigation system on lesser models; a 610-watt Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio system with surround sound; and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with twin 8-inch screens and wireless headsets. An off-road package gives the GL450 most of the trail-riding talent of the G-Class.

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Valve And Sensing Technology: Performance From The Inside Out

Valve and Sensing Technology: Performance From the Inside Out. Find out about Schrader, the company who gave us the first pneumatic tire valve and tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

(NewsUSA) - "Innovation" is a term companies use quite often. While many companies are quick to brand themselves as inventive, very few have the legacy and pioneering spirit to be truly innovative. But occasionally, a few great companies manage to prove their claims of innovation by successfully extending core technologies into new fields and applications.

You may be grasping at air when you try to explain valve and sensing technologies to a friend. While many don't see or interact with these technologies on a daily basis, they are utilized in applications that many customers and end-users use each and every day -; and the roles these technologies play in your everyday safety and comfort shouldn't go unnoticed. One such valve and sensing technology manufacturer, Schrader, takes innovation seriously.

"Since 1891, our valve and sensing technology has played a critical safety role within global automotive applications. We invented the first pneumatic tire valve, the very same valve used on every vehicle in the world today. More recently, we pioneered tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), now required on all new vehicles in North America, and growing in European and Asian-Pacific countries," says Paul Wise, director of marketing at Schrader. "However, what differentiates Schrader is our ability to extend these foundational technologies to new markets and applications."

For example, Schrader has been successful in adapting its sensor technology to monitor power transmission belts and industrial hoses, which are found in diverse applications for factory equipment, construction, agriculture, robotics and other markets as well.

"Many of these applications are considered 'capital equipment,' meaning when the piece of equipment is down because of a broken belt or a burst hose, it translates to a real operational cost to owners," said Enda McCloskey, vice president of technology, Schrader. "Our new belt and hose monitoring systems remove the guess work about when to perform critical maintenance."

Schrader valve and sensing technology within automotive applications helps to save lives, reduce fuel costs, and reduce environmental impact via TPMS. Additionally, Schrader's continued history of innovation has resulted in an all-electric way to better measure fuel levels in gas tanks as well as new flex fuel sensors for hybrid vehicles -- its technology has even expanded to the medical field, including oxygen monitoring for hospital and patient environments.

For more information, visit www.schraderinternational.com.

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Shop Smart For The Best Car Deals Online

Shop smart for the best car deals online. Read this informative article and find how how to avoid fraudulent vehicle sales. Learn how to protect yourself and your wallet when buying a new or used vehicle over the internet.

(NAPSI)—Savvy car shoppers know that now is the best time to buy a car with small-car prices expected to drop. More and more of these automotive shoppers buy online due to unmatched convenience, selection and value.

In an effort to protect online car shoppers’ rights to a great deal, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recently issued a public service announcement urging consumers to watch out for fraudulent vehicle sales claims and only use trusted sites like eBay Motors.

IC3 is warning consumers about scams that hijack trustworthy brands and vehicle protection programs like those offered by eBay Motors. Consumer complaints increased 25 percent in 2010, costing auto shoppers roughly $1,000 every hour, according to IC3.

For example, a seller on a site other than eBay may claim he offers eBay’s Vehicle Protection Program to gain a shopper’s trust and convince the shopper to wire him money for a vehicle he doesn’t own. However, only cars bought and sold on eBayMotors.com can legitimately offer up to $50,000 in vehicle protection. By exploiting the logo and name of reputable sites, fraudsters are luring consumers off of safe and secure e-commerce sites such as eBay.

The FBI’s IC3 and eBay Motors want to provide tips to savvy online auto shoppers looking to score a deal. The following are three tips from these experts:

1. Research And Inspect The Car.

Go beyond the information in the vehicle listing. Take advantage of vehicle history reports to be certain of mileage and vehicle condition. Review the title and hire an inspection service to look at the car prior to purchase.

2. Check The Person’s Background.

Examine the seller’s feedback, ratings and comments. Communicate directly with the seller by phone or through secure channels like the My eBay message center to ensure correspondence is authentic.

3. Never Send Payments Via Wire Services.

Never use Western Union, MoneyGram or other wire services—bank to bank transfers are okay. If you plan to pay in cash, do so in person and obtain a receipt.

Consumers who suspect fraud when auto shopping online should file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3 at www.ic3.gov and with eBay at car@ebay.com. Shoppers can visit ebay.com/tips for additional advice on safe shopping online.

Online auto shopping provides customers with the ability to find great deals on vehicles with the convenience of shopping on their schedule from an inventory far greater than what is found locally. By taking advantage of secure, trustworthy and reputable online marketplaces, consumers can help ensure they have safe and satisfying shopping experiences.

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2012 Chrysler Town & Country

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Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

Chrysler's Town & Country minivan returns with a few new standard features this year, and last year's renovation from nose to tail is holding up well--as is its reputation for safety.

With better styling and a smoother powertrain than in the recent past, the Town & Country still is a near-twin to the Dodge Grand Caravan. The differences come primarily in pricing and features. The Grand Caravan is the minivan value leader, with prices as low as $22,000. The Town & Country goes upscale to places its name implies, up and above the $30,000 barrier to a niche where "luxury" and "minivan" don't sound so mutually exclusive.

That said, there's not enough distinction between the looks of the Grand Caravan and this Town & Country to make for much cocktail-party talk. It's more refined than before, for sure, but the Town & Country remains an upright, square-jawed vehicle, one that stands out as the elder statesman in a crowd of Siennas, Quests and Odysseys. It's gussied up with Chrysler's latest winged logo and the grille is a bit more discreet, and its taillamps are lit by LEDs. It's inside where the differences from the Dodge minivan are a little more striking: the dimensions are shared but the finishes and styling are nicer, with more chrome bangles circling major controls and none of the pervasive cheapness of the pre-2011 Chrysler vans. It's pretty rich inside the T&C, right down to the analog clock that mimics the shape of the grille.

The Chrysler minivan shares its powertrain with the Dodge, which means a 283-horsepower V-6, a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive--there's no all-wheel-drive option as the Sienna still offers. Chrysler's "Pentastar" powertrain is fine for lugging a full family around from mall to mall, and the steering's a bit quicker to respond than before, but the Chrysler vans' handling is softly tuned, and the suspension bounds more than the fairly responsive Odyssey and Sienna. The V-6 delivers better acceleration by a wide margin, but fuel economy is flat against the Town & Country's pre-2011 numbers.

With standard Stow 'N Go seating system, the Chrysler minivans lead the minivan pack in flexibility. Stow 'N Go means the two rearmost rows of seats can be folded into the floor. The former Swivel 'N Go picnic table package is no longer available for reservations, however. This year, all Chrysler minivans have standard leather upholstery--and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The Town & Country is offered in Touring, Touring-L and Limited trims. Most of the features offered as options on the Dodge are standard on the Chrysler, including power windows for front and side doors; power locks and mirrors; power side doors, tailgate and pedals; automatic headlights; garage door opener; a 115-volt outlet; Stow 'N Go; and a power driver seat. Bluetooth and a USB port are standard. A safety option package includes parking sensors, rearview camera, and blind-spot monitors. Options include a sunroof; leather seats; a navigation system; BackseatTV; a DVD entertainment system; and pushbutton start. 

Given its closeness to the new Grand Caravan, our editors are leaving those driving impressions with the high-volume Dodge. For more information, steer over to TheCarConnection's 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan page--and for a more in-depth look at this minivan, see FamilyCarGuide's first drive of the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country.

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2012 Hyundai Equus

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Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

Hyundai's Equus sedan is in its second year of irritating the likes of Lexus and Infiniti. A luxury sedan with all the credibility of an LS 460 or an M37, the Equus can also go toe to toe with the large luxury sedans from Germany in features and finishes--while undercutting them by thousands on its pricetag. The Equus may not deliver the prestige or the handling of the best vehicles in its class, but it's a striking bargain for those who don't mind a more softly sprung luxury sedan, or a great deal.

The Equus doesn't have the daring styling that the younger, cheaper Hyundai Sonata and Elantra share. It's more a mishmash of familiar cues, from cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS. The distinctiveness of other Hyundais is muted here: it's a car designed for different priorities, aimed more at pleasing Korean executives in the home market than winning over new North Americans to the Hyundai fold. It's still a fine-looking car, with an upswept tail and tapered side glass, and a maturity that follows through in the cabin. Inside its vault doors, the Equus is very much a convincing luxury car, with more Lexus and Mercedes cues interwoven with its own themes--like the winged metallic trim that surrounds the dash vents, and is echoed in the Equus' logo on its hood and on its LCD touchscreen during start-up mode.

In its first year on sale, the U.S. Equus shared a powertrain with the smaller Genesis sedan. For 2012, the bigger Hyundai V-8 is standard on all Equus sedans, while it's offered on just one Genesis trim level. The 5.0-liter V-8 is rated at 429 horsepower in the Equus, and with 376 pound-feet of torque as well, the Equus bests the LS 460 and the Benz S550 in output. It's teamed with a new eight-speed automatic that only adds to the heady rush of power that shaves a tick or two off the Equus' mid-six-second 0-60 mph times. The new engine also sounds a bit richer, with a more mellow and rounder exhaust note. The old Equus never really strained to deliver power, but what luxury-car shopper will turn down 44 extra horsepower? Fuel economy does dip slightly with the new drivetrain to 15/23 mpg--and when it comes down to the standard measure of ultra-luxury sedans, the Equus' controlled ride and sweet steering are well shy of the marks set by the latest BMW 7er and Benz S-Class, even the Infiniti M37, though to us, it's a toss-up as to whether the Equus handles better than the Lexus LS.

Inside, the Equus gives up little ground on features or room. Front passengers face a dash slathered in leather and birch or walnut trim, framing a big LCD screen that displays audio and navigation functions; a knob-style controlled, like iDrive and COMAND, dials up different radio stations, ambient temperatures, or destinations. Back-seat drivers get the best treatment: there's an airline-style right passenger seat that reclines on some versions, and it comes with an extendable footrest--but the Equus doesn't quite have enough spread-out leg room to extend the footrest far enough. Our Equus is actually the short-wheelbase version, and Hyundai hasn't confirmed we'll ever get the long-wheelbase version. The same seat can have Shiatsu-style massage functions as well, so you'll probably get over the tight toe room--but the passenger on the left side will be out of luck, as the features aren't offered on that chair.

Other luxury features on the Equus include standard Lexicon audio; adaptive cruise control; ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery. A lane-departure warning system is a new option this year: it sounds an alert when the Equus crosses lanes for more than a second, and tugs the seatbelt when the car crosses over for more than three seconds. Other safety features like Bluetooth and a rearview camera are included for free.

Also free is the Equus' white-glove service. Instead of visiting a dealer, owners can simply schedule a pick-up and loaner car through a mobile app. In the first year of sales, Hyundai gave out free Apple iPads to owners; the 2012 models get a full paper owner's manual instead. We'll take the lavish treatment over a free tablet over the Equus' lifetime, thanks--and we'd definitely consider a sub-$60,000 Equus if the Lexus LS topped our new-car shopping list, because the new big Hyundai is a plush, credible four-door that brings ultra-luxury amenities down to the semi-well-heeled masses.

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For Better Automotive Performance, Reconsider The Old Maintenance Standbys

For better automotive performance, reconsider the old maintenance standbys like a trustworthy motor oil.

(ARA) - Have you ever wondered why you use certain brands when it comes to products like food, laundry detergent, toilet paper and toothpaste? The same can be said for the kind of tires you put on your car or the automotive products you use. We often make our decisions based on the people who influence us every day. These influencers could be parents, friends, professionals and advertisements in the media or on the Internet.

Unfortunately, what was once the best product to meet our needs a few years ago or even a month ago, may not be what we need in our lives today. This is particularly true when you consider car products such as motor oil.

As a kid you may have watched your dad or older brother change the oil in his car or truck in the garage, and their brand loyalty transferred to your own buying habits. "I used a particular brand for years because that's what my dad used," says Shawn Kelly of Baytown, Texas. The next time you reach for your next quart of oil, ask yourself what made you choose one brand over the others on the shelf.

In the past, there was a common perception about motor oil: "If it's thicker, it must be better." That old adage is no longer true for today's motor oils. As new vehicle models are released each year, engineers are making tweaks and improvements in car designs not only to the body, but under the hood as well. As a result, with motor oil standards set forth by the Society of Automotive Engineers, American Petroleum Institute licensing and emissions standards, motor oil manufacturers must constantly try to meet the needs of the new engines by improving their formulations and product lines.

If you currently use conventional motor oil, there are several reasons to consider using synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple. Synthetic oils are base oils mixed with additives that can provide benefits like protecting the engine from corrosion and extending the drain intervals, which means fewer oil changes and less waste disposed in the environment. Synthetic oils come in a variety of viscosities or thicknesses that are suitable for your vehicle. These include oils for newer models and vehicles still under warranty, like Royal Purple's SAE SN motor oils that are available in mono-grade and multi-grade viscosities. For older vehicles no longer under warranty, and those drivers seeking better performance and protection, Royal Purple offers their High Performance Street (HPS) motor oil series that includes the proprietary additive technology Synerlec.

Next time you're talking cars, ask your dad why he buys the brands he does, and you might find he was influenced by his own dad or mentor. These days, parents are being educated by their children about new products on the market. If you are considering a change to synthetic oil, consult your owner's manual about the correct viscosity motor oil to use and make sure you will not void your warranty. If you have specific questions about Royal Purple synthetic motor oil or products, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section at www.royalpurple.com, or email your specific questions to the Royal Purple Technical Department at rpautotech@royalpurple.com.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

The ambiguously shaped Mercedes R-Class isn't as easy a choice as the big GL-Class SUV, but especially in diesel trim, it's a capable long-distance touring machine.See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

Not quite an SUV, not nearly a minivan, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a crossover that hasn't crossed over in the way that its cousins, the M-Class and GL-Class, have. Maybe it's overcrowding in the over-$50,000 all-wheel-drive market in Mercedes stores, but for whatever reason, this six- or seven-seat long-distance tourer's been overlooked.

The R-Class' amorphous styling could be at fault, too. It's somewhere between all those popular body styles, and as a result the R-Class doesn't look like anything except the departed Chrysler Pacifica. It's softer and less overtly a utility vehicle, and it has a bulbous rear end with a big wagon tailgate. It's androgynous, and mostly forgettable. Inside it's much better, with a familiar collection of big, clear gauges and wood trim that's clearly related to, but not identical to, the setups in the GL and ML utes. The dash is probably the most SUV-like feature of the R-Class, aside from its all-wheel-drive hardware.

The R-Class gives shoppers a choice of two six-cylinder engines. A new direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 boosts horsepower from 268 hp to 302 hp this year, bringing with it a new seven-speed automatic--a drivetrain we've sampled at length in the M-Class. The R-Class we'd buy is the other six, a 210-hp, 3.2-liter turbodiesel V-6 that's clean and economical, with only a bit of muted diesel clatter to differentiate it from the smooth-revving gas engine. Both powertrains offer strong, refined and relaxed performance with a smooth ride and a hefty, solid driving feel, but the diesel's mid-20s highway fuel economy is a strong selling point for those who don't mind seeking out a new filling station, if they must.

The R-Class is tailored for six adult passengers, but a seventh spot can be opted into. Riding lower than the big GL-Class, the R-Class is easier to climb into, and the front seats are quite supportive and well-shaped. The second-row seats are buckets unless a bench is ordered, but like in the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT, those middle bucket seats are worth having. They're very comfortable, with lots of leg and head room, even when slid to their most forward position and tilted into their most upright position. The third row is a bit smaller and flatter, but have great head room and much easier access than most SUVs, since the R-Class' rear doors are very wide. The packaging has its drawbacks--the long doors can make tight parking spots seem tighter, and the back two rows of seats are more complex to fold forward when more cargo room is needed.

Crash-test scores aren't available, but the R-Class has standard all-wheel drive, as well as curtain airbags and stability control. A rearview camera and Bluetooth are also standard, and blind-spot monitors and adaptive cruise control are offered. Other standard features include satellite radio and dual-zone climate control; major options include a Harmon/Kardon audio system; an air suspension; heated, massaging front seats; and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. A spacious, flexible wagonGreat highway ride qualityFuel-efficient diesel drivetrainLethargic stylingBig rear doors can pose parking-spot problemsCOMAND isn't as easy to learn as some systemsFolding second-row seats isn't easy

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Quick Fall Auto Fix-up Tips

Avoid winter woes with quick fall auto fix-up tips and keep your car in great condition for the winter months to come.

(ARA) - As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it's time to prepare your vehicle for the unfavorable road conditions to come. Addressing a few key issues before winter arrives can save you significant hassle and cost. To protect one of your most valuable investments, follow these tips to shield your vehicle from the elements and avoid winter-related damages.

Protect Your Paint

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

Luckily, you can easily avoid a costly repair and restore your vehicle to its original finish with Dupli-Color's Scratch Fix 2in1. This affordable, easy-to-use touch-up paint offers two applicators - a roller ball for small scratches and a taper brush for larger scratches. As simple as painting your nails, you can repair and protect any exposed metal in minutes, and Dupli-Color's exact-match colors guarantee a seamless finish. Right now, for each person who finds their vehicle's color code and enters it online, Dupli-Color will donate $1 to Meals On Wheels for their "Find Your Color, Help Another" initiative.

Vision

Winter weather can reduce visibility, so a clear windshield is extremely important to prevent accident damage. To make certain you have an unobstructed view of the road at all times, examine the defroster system and windshield wipers. Replace any old or cracked blades, and don't forget your rear wiper. If you live in an area that sees heavy winter precipitation, consider rubber winter blades to avoid ice build-up and provide optimal clearing. Stock up on winter windshield fluid and keep a bottle of de-icing spray in your car to reduce the need to scrape. Check all vehicle lights to make sure your night vision is equally clear, and replace any dim or dead bulbs.

Tires

One of the most essential aspects of vehicle winterization is making sure you have a safe grip on the road. Quality tires help keep your vehicle secure, especially in slippery rain or snow conditions, and inadequate tires will not be effective. Inspect your tire tread and pressure (an auto shop can do this for you) and replace worn tires for optimal traction in snow and ice. If you've not done so recently, make sure to rotate your tires and have your brakes checked. If you live in a snow-prone or rural area, you might consider purchasing snow tires and/or chains to get through the tough conditions.

Emergency Kit

In the case that something does go wrong this winter and you are stranded, make sure to keep an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle at all times. Include a flashlight and batteries, road flares, a heavy blanket, jumper cables, bottled water and nutrition bars. Keep a charged cell phone with you at all times and check weather conditions before traveling extended distances or into rural areas. You may also benefit from roadside service, particularly if you are traveling alone or long distances.

With a little preparation, your vehicle will be ready for winter and you can avoid any unnecessary issues. Use these tips to make sure your travels are safe, comfortable and without issue this season.

For more information on Dupli-Color's Scratch Fix 2in1 or to find your color code, visit www.duplicolor.com/scratchfix.

Automotive : Link Sponsors

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2012 Toyota Corolla

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Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

If reeling in the family budget is one of your top priorities, the Toyota Corolla remains a good fit. It's been a longtime frugality king, appealing to those who want the lowest running costs above all else--of course, with a design that meets requirements for the family and the commute. But while Toyota has made incremental improvements in comfort for the Corolla, it simply isn't the standout it once was--especially considering the flood of excellent new entries this past year, including the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, and Hyundai Elantra.

One of the Corolla's chief drawbacks remains its blandness and ubiquity. The very minor touch-up the Corolla received last year only helped bring the cues on this sedan a little more in line with the larger Camry. Overall, it's a smooth, decent-looking design, but the 2012 Toyota Corolla lacks the sporty and modern panache of many of its rivals. Inside, the Corolla bucks many of the cockpit-like layouts that are common in small sedans, instead having a more shelf-like instrument panel that, while not exciting, arguably frees up more interior space.

The 2012 Corolla not only looks, but feels, like a car that people choose to drive out of necessity and practicality. In general, the softly sprung and lacking a handling and ride sophistication that many rivals now have. The electric power steering is dull and overly light, and that combined with the suspension makes the Corolla feel out of sorts on a curvy road. Compared to most other models in this class (like the Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, or Honda Civic), the Corolla feels slightly down on power, especially at highway speeds, even if its 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine looks up to snuff on spec sheets. Part of the problem is the four-speed automatic, which has gears that feel too widely spaced; the five-speed manual is pleasant to use, though. And while powertrain refinement used to be a Corolla strength, say a decade ago, the current model sounds coarse when pushed, considering today's standards of small-car refinement.

Inside, the Corolla is well designed, but rather stark and basic. Base L, LE, and S trims are offered, and in the latter two the Corolla gets a little more dressed-up; but even then the conservative design and subpar materials conspire to give this sedan an on-a-budget feel and not much more. But on the positive side, ride comfort is good in most cases, and the Corolla's cabin is well-isolated from road and wind noise; it's really up to par with mid-size cars in this respect. Seating in the Corolla is quite good overall, with plenty of headroom and legroom in front, and even decent space for average-sized adults in the back seat. But front seats are a bit short and spongy; they're not so comfortable for longer trips. Storage-wise, there's a double glovebox, along with a few cubbies, a console box, and large door pockets, but the trunk is on the small side, even among cars in this class, and has intrusive hinges.

The Corolla remains one of the better picks in this class for the safety-minded. For 2011, the Corolla was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and we anticipate that to be extended to the 2012 model. Safety equipment is typical within the class, with front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, and active front head restraints all standard.

Across the lineup, there are three trim levels: base L, mid-range LE, and the somewhat sportier-looking S. For 2012, even the basic L model no longer has manual-winding windows; power windows, locks, and mirrors are now all standard, along with keyless entry. Air conditioning, a trip computer, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel also remain standard. Also for 2012, LE and S models get improved audio systems that include Bluetooth and iPod connectivity; LE models now have steering-wheel audio controls, and the S gets stitched seat accents. A moonroof, XM satellite radio and a navigation system remain among the options.

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Basic Maintenance Can Be A Smart Investment

Basic maintenance can be a smart investment when it comes to your automobile. Keeping your vehicle maintained properly is one way to keep your car running for a long time.

Extending the life of your car makes your investment smarter than ever. Get some simple tips to keep your car in good condition.

(NAPSI)—Whether your car came right off the showroom floor or you drive a used vehicle that has seen its share of miles, one of the best ways to extend its life is to practice basic maintenance.

To help, here are some tips:

• Take Care Of Your Tires.

A good rule of thumb for tire rotation is to have your tires rotated every other oil change. This can vary depending on the amount of driving you do. Check the air pressure in your tires. This simple procedure can help your vehicle’s fuel economy.

• Check Your Belts And Hoses.

You may not know what everything does under the hood of your vehicle, but even you can recognize a belt or hose that has a crack or corrosion. These parts are usually made of rubber and will eventually wear out. If you’re still unsure, belts and hoses can be checked during an oil change or at your vehicle’s annual checkup.

• Check Your Oil.

If the level of oil in your vehicle is too high or low, it can cause engine problems. Owners of both new and older vehicles can consider using synthetic motor oil to help increase the mileage between oil changes.

For example, Royal Purple offers a variety of motor oil viscosities for different makes and models, recommending the SN Series for vehicles 2011 and newer and the new High Performance Series for older vehicles. This can result in money savings with fewer oil changes and less impact on the environment with less oil disposed.

When you get your oil changed, ask if they recycle their oil, and if you’re changing your oil, at home, check out www.earth911.com for a motor oil recycling center near you.

• Check Your Coolant.

If you’re not sure where your coolant reservoir is, check your owner’s manual. The ideal level of coolant should be between the low and high markings.

If you are checking the coolant yourself, do not take the cap off if your vehicle has been recently driven. If the coolant system is hot, the pressure inside could burn you when the cap is removed. To keep your engine cool, try a coolant additive such as Royal Purple’s Purple Ice. It’s designed to reduce engine temperatures and protect the engine from corrosion.

• Learn The Dashboard Lights.

Refer to your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with some of your dashboard warning lights. These include: Check Engine, Service Engine, Electrical Fault, Brake Warning, ABS Brake Warning, Coolant and Oil. Ignoring these warning signs could result in expensive repairs if left too long.

For more information, visit www.royalpurple.com.

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Auto Tech Gadgets More Appealing To Americans Than Safety Features

Auto tech gadgets more appealing to Americans than safety features...auto gadgets like GPS and bluetooth get more attention than your vehicle's safety features. That's a little bit scary when you think about it.

(ARA) - Whether you're planning a short trip to the store or a long ride across the country, getting behind the wheel is the easy part. Staying safe while driving, on the other hand, takes a bit more work.

However, when it comes to investing in technology that's designed to make the driving experience safer, Americans admit favoring increased convenience over driver and passenger safety, according to a MetLife Auto & Home American Safety Pulse Poll.

"The most recognized and sought-after technology features tend to be those which promote style over substance, when in reality, it's the less glamorous features like electronic stability control which make for safer vehicles," says Bill Moore, president of MetLife Auto & Home. "By increasing their understanding of the available safety features in today's vehicles, consumers can make more informed choices about which cars provide the best safeguards to help protect themselves and their families on the road."

Technology Awareness: Are Americans Too Distracted By Gadgets?

When asked about their familiarity with safety-oriented automobile features - some of which have been available for several years - survey respondents gave low marks:

* Less than half of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with electronic stability control, one of the most significant safety advancements in recent years, which helps improve steering and prevent rollover accidents. Almost one-third had never heard of it at all.

* Forty-four percent of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with brake assist, which applies additional brake force in the event of a sudden stop.

* Forty-three percent were very or somewhat familiar with forward collision warning, which alerts the driver when sensors detect an imminent front-end impact.

* Only 28 percent were very or somewhat familiar with the lane departure warning feature, which warns a driver that he or she is drifting out of the designated lane on a highway. Forty-one percent of respondents had never even heard of the feature.

In contrast, Americans gave much higher marks for convenience features, such as GPS (90 percent) and bluetooth accessories (77 percent). And, when asked which features they wanted in their next car, more people opted for convenience features such as GPS (63 percent) over safety features like electronic stability control (45 percent).

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that electronic stability control significantly decreases the likelihood of a single-vehicle crash by up to 59 percent and provides a 23 percent reduction in the probability of fatal crashes. Starting this year, electronic stability control is a standard feature on all new passenger cars in the U.S.

Although safety technology can help to make America's roadways safer, the fact remains: No amount of technology can replace the safety benefit of an experienced driver behind the wheel.

"Auto manufacturers have made significant strides with regard to safety innovations over the past 10 years, but the ultimate safety feature is an alert and prepared driver," says Moore. "Technology advancements have greatly improved the comfort and safety of cars, but overreliance on these features can be dangerous - drivers need to remember that it's still up to them to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner."

Where Can You Get Up To Speed On Safety?

To learn more about new auto technologies and how to make a positive difference in your driving, consider the informational tips offered at www.metlife.com.

View the original article here

2012 Suzuki SX4

The 2012 Suzuki SX4 remains the lowest-priced car with all-wheel drive, and it's one of the best small-car values for the money. See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

With two roomy, well-designed body styles, a perky driving feel, and lots of features for the money, the 2012 Suzuki SX4 remains one of the stronger small-car entries for value-conscious shoppers--and one of the most often-overlooked possibilities for comparison shoppers.

The 2012 SX4 is available in several different configurations, as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. Both SX4 Sedan and SX4 SportBack (hatchback) models are front-wheel drive, but the hatchback is also offered in SX4 Crossover guise; as such, the SX4 is the lowest-priced new car with all-wheel drive.

We tend to think that the SX4 works best, design-wise, in either of its hatchback forms; the silhouette of the Suzuki SX4 sedan can appear a little too pert and truncated at the back, giving it an anonymous, rather tall-and-narrow look (and greater anonymity in parking lots); both the SX4 Crossover and its sportier front-wheel-drive twin, the SX4 SportBack, are more distinctive. Inside, the instrument panel is upright and businesslike yet sporty, and while materials are on the hard-and-cheap side, they're a bit more impressive than in other affordable rivals thanks to judicious use of textures and just a little bit of brightwork.

Compared to most other on-a-budget subcompact cars, the 2012 Suzuki SX4 is simply more enjoyable to drive. Both versions of the 2011 Suzuki SX4 come standard with a 150-horsepower version of Suzuki's 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, along with a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Models with the manual gearbox are especially strong and zippy, and the CVT escapes the acceleration drone that plagues larger four-cylinder models with this type of transmission. Suzuki's Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (I-AWD) system is standard on the Crossover, whereas the SportBack, the entry Sedan, and the fancier Sport sedan make do with simpler front-wheel drive. Handling and maneuverability is impressive throughout the lineup, and with decent outward visibility, the SX4 is easy to park. The SX4's least desirable trait is fuel economy, though; EPA ratings run just 25 mpg city, 32 highway with the CVT or 23/33 with the six-speed manual.

Front seats in the SX4 are well-bolstered, with a nice, upright position--better than typical for a budget-priced small car, and while the seat fabric is far from elegant, it's comfortable and seems durable. In back, theater-style elevated seating gives both more legroom and a less claustrophobic feeling; there's enough space for two adults in a pinch. One of the key differences between the two body styles is that the sedan has a roomy trunk, while the shorter overall length of hatchbacks means that cargo space is limited--unless you're not planning to carry rear passengers and can fold the rear seatbacks. Ride quality is on the firm side but comfortable; the only aspect that isn't as charming are that the engine gets quite coarse when pressed. Wind noise and even road noise aren't bad.

While safety ratings for the SX4 haven't been particularly impressive, features certainly are, and most of the models are very strong value for the money. For 2012, Suzuki SX4 Sedan models get an upgrade to four-wheel disc brakes across the lineup (formerly rear drums), and a Garmin navigation with voice recognition is available throughout the model line (standard on the Sedan and optional on other models). With a Technology Package, the system includes Google search, plus real-time traffic and weather.

Value for the moneyCheap, but fun to driveComfortable rideAll-wheel drive for $17kGas mileageCoarse engine noteTight cargo space (hatchback)

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2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Concept Breaks Cover

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Chevrolet has already announced it is bringing the TrailBlazer nameplate back to production for 2013 as a global SUV model, and now we can see what the thinly veiled concept version looks like. These images were taken by an outlet in India that was attending a Chevrolet press event. 

The new TrailBlazer will be a body-on-frame SUV based off of the new Colorado truck. Armed to do battle with the likes of the Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and other capable off-road SUVs, the new TrailBlazer will be available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive models.

We have been told it is not yet decided whether or not the new TrailBlazer will be sold in the United States, but based on the fact that the new Colorado is coming, we would think it is a pretty good bet. 

Stay tuned for more updates.

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2012 Nissan Murano

See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

The Nissan Murano's grown popular because it has so few of the usual tired SUV cliches. It's a five-seater without much off-road ability or towing capacity, and it's stylish, too--almost to a fault.

The Murano is a good-looking tall wagon, and ties together its sheetmetal and its cabin in a convincing way. This generation's much more flamboyant than the first Murano, and the toothy, chromey grille is a distraction from the rest of the buff, smoothly integrated design. It's as slickly styled inside, with a unified look that coordinates well with the slightly bulbous shape.

All Muranos are powered by the latest iteration of Nissan's VQ engine. Here, the 3.5-liter V-6 puts out 260 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). We're not usually enthusiastic about driving CVTs, but Nissan tunes their performance well with the Murano, giving it brisk acceleration without an excess of the drivetrain noise CVTs can induce. Unlike the smaller Rogue, though, the Murano's transmission doesn't have pre-programmed "gears," and it's still a bit rubbery compared to a conventional automatic. Fortunately, the Murano's above average when it comes to handling, with responsive steering and an absorbent, slightly firm ride. Most models are front-drive, but all-wheel drive is available, and comes standard on the most expensive Murano LE. Gas mileage tops out at 18/24 mpg; the latest turbo Ford Edge, by comparison, nets 31 mpg on the highway cycle.

The Murano's swept-back styling cuts down on usable interior space. Its utility is significantly hampered by the low roofline and the sloping rear end, especially when compared to the more upright Ford Edge. The Murano's front seats are comfortable, and can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of drivers, though the sunroof cuts deeply into head room. The rear bench seat is lower to the floor than we'd like, and head room is still scant for tall adults, as is leg room. As a four-seater, though, the Murano suffices. There's not a lot of cargo space available behind the second row when it's in use, and the cargo floor sits higher than in some crossovers, but the rear seat folds forward to expand storage space.

Crash-test scores from the NHTSA give the Murano four stars overall, and the IIHS rates it "good" for front- and side-impact protection, but calls its roof strength "marginal."

Standard features on the Murano include power windows, locks and mirrors; climate control; and an AM/FM/CD player. Other available features include a heated steering wheel; Bose audio; leather upholstery; a navigation system; Bluetooth; and a rearview camera. Adding up options on a high-line Murano can push its pricetag into Infiniti territory, overlapping that brand's even more compact EX35 crossover.

View the original article here

2012 Suzuki SX4

The 2012 Suzuki SX4 remains the lowest-priced car with all-wheel drive, and it's one of the best small-car values for the money. See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

With two roomy, well-designed body styles, a perky driving feel, and lots of features for the money, the 2012 Suzuki SX4 remains one of the stronger small-car entries for value-conscious shoppers--and one of the most often-overlooked possibilities for comparison shoppers.

The 2012 SX4 is available in several different configurations, as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. Both SX4 Sedan and SX4 SportBack (hatchback) models are front-wheel drive, but the hatchback is also offered in SX4 Crossover guise; as such, the SX4 is the lowest-priced new car with all-wheel drive.

We tend to think that the SX4 works best, design-wise, in either of its hatchback forms; the silhouette of the Suzuki SX4 sedan can appear a little too pert and truncated at the back, giving it an anonymous, rather tall-and-narrow look (and greater anonymity in parking lots); both the SX4 Crossover and its sportier front-wheel-drive twin, the SX4 SportBack, are more distinctive. Inside, the instrument panel is upright and businesslike yet sporty, and while materials are on the hard-and-cheap side, they're a bit more impressive than in other affordable rivals thanks to judicious use of textures and just a little bit of brightwork.

Compared to most other on-a-budget subcompact cars, the 2012 Suzuki SX4 is simply more enjoyable to drive. Both versions of the 2011 Suzuki SX4 come standard with a 150-horsepower version of Suzuki's 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, along with a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Models with the manual gearbox are especially strong and zippy, and the CVT escapes the acceleration drone that plagues larger four-cylinder models with this type of transmission. Suzuki's Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (I-AWD) system is standard on the Crossover, whereas the SportBack, the entry Sedan, and the fancier Sport sedan make do with simpler front-wheel drive. Handling and maneuverability is impressive throughout the lineup, and with decent outward visibility, the SX4 is easy to park. The SX4's least desirable trait is fuel economy, though; EPA ratings run just 25 mpg city, 32 highway with the CVT or 23/33 with the six-speed manual.

Front seats in the SX4 are well-bolstered, with a nice, upright position--better than typical for a budget-priced small car, and while the seat fabric is far from elegant, it's comfortable and seems durable. In back, theater-style elevated seating gives both more legroom and a less claustrophobic feeling; there's enough space for two adults in a pinch. One of the key differences between the two body styles is that the sedan has a roomy trunk, while the shorter overall length of hatchbacks means that cargo space is limited--unless you're not planning to carry rear passengers and can fold the rear seatbacks. Ride quality is on the firm side but comfortable; the only aspect that isn't as charming are that the engine gets quite coarse when pressed. Wind noise and even road noise aren't bad.

While safety ratings for the SX4 haven't been particularly impressive, features certainly are, and most of the models are very strong value for the money. For 2012, Suzuki SX4 Sedan models get an upgrade to four-wheel disc brakes across the lineup (formerly rear drums), and a Garmin navigation with voice recognition is available throughout the model line (standard on the Sedan and optional on other models). With a Technology Package, the system includes Google search, plus real-time traffic and weather.

Value for the moneyCheap, but fun to driveComfortable rideAll-wheel drive for $17kGas mileageCoarse engine noteTight cargo space (hatchback)

View the original article here

Tips For Driving Smarter

Tips For Driving Smarter from the world's most fuel-efficient couple, John and Helen Taylor. Learn how to stretch your car's gasoline and increase fuel efficiency and save money too.

(NAPSI)—Recently, the White House announced an increase in fuel economy standards that would require passenger vehicles and light trucks to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. While this will go a long way to stretch fuel and our natural energy resources in the future, there are actions you can take today to help increase fuel efficiency.

John and Helen Taylor, known as the world’s most fuel-efficient couple and holding 88 world records, know about stretching the boundaries of fuel efficiency.

To demonstrate how you can reduce your fuel consumption and lower the price you pay at the pump, Shell and the Taylors are teaming up to introduce the Smarter Driving program by driving across 48 states, using the least amount of fuel in an unmodified, non-hybrid vehicle.

As official spokespeople for Shell, the Taylors agree that by following the Shell M.A.P. to Smarter Driving, you can become more fuel-efficient and save money with this simple plan:

• Maintenance: Perform smart maintenance before you drive:

- Make sure your tires are not over- or under-inflated: Keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by more than 3 percent.

- Keep your engine well tuned and repair problems immediately: Tuning up your vehicle or checking emissions could improve your gasoline mileage by 4 percent on average.

• Actions: Practice smart actions and behaviors while you’re behind the wheel:

- Avoid the highs and find the lows: Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower gasoline mileage by up to 33 percent at highway speeds.

• Products: Purchase smart products at the right price without sacrificing quality:

- Choose a high-quality gasoline: Lower-quality gasolines can leave performance-robbing “gunk” on intake valves and fuel injectors. Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines help clean up gunk so your engine can perform at its best.

- Use a loyalty or rewards payment card to save at the pump: The Taylors suggest stretching your budget. Shell has teamed up with leading grocers in more than 110 markets across the U.S. where you can earn rewards for using your existing supermarket loyalty card and then redeeming the points at participating Shell stations. Another option is to use a Shell payment card that saves you money at more than 14,000 Shell stations across the U.S.

Smarter Driving can help consumers stretch their budget while helping to protect their vehicle. To test your Smarter Driving IQ and for a chance to win great prizes, visit www.Shell.us/smarterdriving or find Shell on Facebook.

Some tips sourced from www.fueleconomy.gov.

View the original article here

Car Shopping Protect Yourself From Online Fraud

Car shopping online is easy. Find out how to protect yourself from online fraud and get a great deal on your new car, be it a used vehicle or a brand new vehicle.

(ARA) - Shopping for cars online is easier than ever, and more and more buyers are turning to the Internet during the shopping process. According to the 2011 Automotive Buyer Influence Study, conducted by Polk and AutoTrader.com, new and used vehicle buyers spend 18 to 19 hours researching cars before purchasing, and they spend 60 percent of their shopping time online.

While the Internet has made used-car shopping easier than ever, consumers need to be cautious in order to protect themselves from fraud. Most automotive classified sites connect shoppers and sellers, but the actual purchase transactions take place through other avenues - offline and online. Consumers who want to make the move from shopping to purchasing online should exhibit the most caution.

Using ads that look legitimate, fraudsters work tirelessly to convince shoppers, particularly out-of-state shoppers, to send them money to purchase a car. One method of payment for these sellers is money transfers. However, the Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to avoid using wire transfers for online purchases to reduce their risk of getting defrauded online.

Much in the same way you wouldn't send cash through the mail to a complete stranger, don't use a money transfer to pay for a car you've never seen.

AutoTrader.com and Western Union recommend these helpful tips to help you protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud if buying a car online:

* Choose and contact a reputable escrow service yourself after verifying their legitimacy by checking with state regulators or the Better Business Bureau. Scammers will try to make you believe they are using an escrow service, when they have actually set up fake accounts using real company names.

* Do not use money transfer services to purchase a vehicle online. Money transfer services are fast, easy and convenient ways to send funds to people you know. They are not intended to be a payment vehicle when doing business with a stranger you have not personally met.

* Be a cautious buyer and be prepared to walk away. Make sure you see the car and have it checked out before purchasing it. If the seller does not allow this and tells you that he or she will only accept a money transfer before allowing you to see the car, be prepared to walk away. If the seller tells you how to safeguard your purchase by putting the transaction in the name of a friend, don't believe it. It won't protect you from a fraudulent seller. Learn more at http://www.westernunion.com/stopfraud.

* If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you can't find a comparable deal on a car locally, it may be too good to be true. Fraudulent sellers often have long stories about why they aren't available to show you the car, why they can only be reached via email or why they have to sell it fast and therefore priced the car below market value, so be suspicious if you hear reasons along those lines. These sellers promise that they can ship the car to you immediately and will escrow your payment, but that is not the case. All the above are red flags for fraud.

You work hard to make your money, and the last thing you want is for someone to steal it from you. If you are going to buy a car you find in an online ad, make sure you take the proper precautions to safeguard your cash.

View the original article here

2012 Volvo S60

See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

Volvo isn't what it used to be, and positively, the Volvo S60 is a poster child for what the brand has evolved to--combining a more curvaceous exterior with a cool Scandinavian interior design, class-leading safety, and performance that sets its sights on the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Acura TSX. And for 2012, the S60 has a little more appeal yet for driving enthusiasts, with the introduction of a new 2012 S60 R-Design model aimed at those who might just take their Volvo on the track once in a while.

The 2012 S60 is more rakish and aggressive than any previous Volvo sedan on the outside, with smooth contours and swooping lines matched up with a low, wedgy front and pert tail, and framed with large flashy alloy wheels. It's handsome yet expressive from a few paces back. Inside, the S60's cabin is very stylish, yet functional, with a 'floating' center stack of controls that pushes the Swedish design ethos into a hipper direction. Textures and design themes inside are far from the ordinary for luxury sedans.

Last year, all Volvo S60 models came in high-performance T6 form—with a 300-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Now for 2012, a more affordable front-wheel-drive S60 T5 model (powered by a 250-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder) has joined the lineup, as well as a new enthusiast-focused R-Design mode that offers a 'chipped' version of the six, making 325 hp. In both the S60 T6 and R-Design models, the engine is smooth, strong, and sweet-sounding, with an uninterrupted rush of power when you need it. The six-speed automatic transmission (there's no manual...yet) doesn't always respond as quickly as you'd hope from a sport sedan.

In T6 or T5 forms, the S60 doesn't feel quite as sharp as focused enthusiast sedans like the Mitsubishi Evolution, Subaru WRX STI, or Nissan G37 or BMW 3-Series, but some will prefer it that way, as a tight, quiet cabin and good ride quality factor in to give it a true luxury-car feel. The 4C dynamic chassis system in the T6 makes it the pick of the bunch for combining performance and comfort; T6 models get driver-selectable steering feel, too. But the T6 R-Design throws that out in favor of a dedicated Sport suspension that's lowered and noticeably stiffer; it also brings out the road noise. 

The S60 is just a bit smaller than most U.S.-market mid-size sedans, yet it's a five-seater with true space for four adults. The swoopy roofline allows enough headroom for most, and provided you're not positioning the lankiest passengers front-to-back, there's decent legroom.

Though the curvy S60 doesn't have the versatility offered by those box-on-wheels designs Volvo built through the 1990s, this sport sedan does hold true to another Volvo expectation: safety. Volvo's Pedestrian Detection safety system can automatically stop the car if it detects a pedestrian and the driver fails to react. And while it hasn't yet been tested by the feds, the insurance-affiliated IIHS has already fully tested the 2012 S60 and made it a Top Safety Pick.

With base prices on the S60 dropping to about $31k for 2012 with the introduction of the front-wheel-drive S60 T5, the S60 is looking like a stronger deal for 2012 for those who simply want a well-equipped yet stylish luxury sedan. The T5 includes a long list of features, including tech extras like Bluetooth calling and audio streaming, HD Radio, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver's seat. The S60 T6 upgrades to leather upholstery and larger alloys, in addition to all the performance upgrades, and the top R-Design includes xenon headlamps and a moonroof among the many trim upgrades.

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Ready Your Ride For Rough Weather

Ready your ride for rough weather with these car care tips from Royal Purple.

(NAPSI)—By taking a few preventative maintenance steps, you can keep your car on the road to safety and savings when temperatures drop.

• Check the air pressure in your tires regularly and make sure your spare tire is also inflated properly. Contrary to the popular belief that you should reduce your tire pressure in cold weather, the fact is, tire pressure usually lowers itself in winter and raises itself in summer. All you need to do is maintain the pressure at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Don’t inflate your tires based on the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire—you do have to make sure you don’t over inflate.

• Cold temperatures can be hard on a battery. Check the condition of the battery cable, posts and fasteners for rust and corrosion. Have your battery checked by a professional who will check for corrosion and check the electrical system.

• Try using a synthetic oil, which generally contains fewer impurities and has much more consistent molecular structure compared to a comparable quality mineral oil. These differences result in better frictional characteristics (less friction), better natural cold flow and a more consistent viscosity across a wide temperature range. The better cold flow is especially beneficial at a cold start. The engine will start easier and the oil gets to where it needs to be quicker.

Viscosity is a liquid’s thickness and resistance to flow and all engine oils thicken with decreasing temperature and thin with increasing temperature. With a high-quality synthetic engine oil, such as Royal Purple, the viscosity changes less with changing temperature, so the oil stays closer to the optimal thickness for engine operation. High-quality synthetic engine oils also typically have a better pour point than nonsynthetic oils. The pour point is the lowest temperature at which the oil can be poured out of a container. Conventional oils can become so thick at low temperatures they won’t pour out of the bottle. Synthetics will generally retain pourability at much lower temperatures for a given viscosity grade.

• Protect your vehicle’s fluid lines from freezing. Flush and refill your cooling system with a 50/50 mixture. You should have a minimum of 20 percent antifreeze concentration in a street-driven vehicle. Royal Purple’s radiator coolant additive Purple Ice contains corrosion inhibitors and lubricants that condition the seals on the water pump and can be used with Dex-Cool antifreeze.

By making sure your vehicle is ready for bad weather, there’s a good chance you’ll arrive safely at your destination instead of being stranded by the side of the road.

For more information, visit www.royalpurple.com.

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2012 Toyota Matrix

The 2012 Toyota Matrix combines the frugality of the best-selling Corolla with a little more sportiness and versatility--but it still comes up a bit short in features. See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

The 2012 Toyota Matrix is closely related to the Corolla sedan, but the Matrix takes a different tack in terms of style and packaging--appealing to a somewhat younger, more active crowd and those who need more versatility.

Last year the Matrix was up for a mid-cycle refresh, but it amounted to some very minor appearance and trim changes. While Toyota had pitched the Matrix as more of a crossover in its first generation, the current Matrix has a lower sportier stance that's not all that much different from the Corolla from the front. Yet the Matrix's rather high-shouldered sides and prominent, thick rear pillar five it a very different look from all other angles. Inside, the instrument panel is a little swoopier and sportier in appearance, the tall-hatchback layout affords good interior space, and with the Matrix's versatile layout and seats that fold easily (and flat) to expand cargo space, you'll have no problem freeing up seating space for an especially large load of groceries.

The Matrix model lineup consists of base and S models, with base models getting a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and S models stepping up to a 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Between the two, we think most shoppers will be happy with the 1.8-liter, as the 2.4-liter is quite a bit thirstier--especially in all-wheel-drive (S AWD) form. A five-speed manual is standard with either engine, but the available automatic has only four speeds with the 1.8-liter (five with the 2.4-liter) which can make the smaller engine seem sluggish in some situations. All-wheel drive is only available on the S model, and even there, only with automatic. Fuel economy ranges from 26 mpg city, 32 highway for the base model with the manual down to 21/29 for the S AWD.

While the Matrix is very versatile, with the back seat folding fully flat, the seats themselves are a little less supportive than most would probably prefer. Ride quality is pretty good, but road noise can be an issue. Some might also find the rather narrow window openings at the back to severely impair visibility.

The Matrix has earned respectable safety ratings, with top 'good' ratings from the IIHS in frontal and side impact (the related Corolla sedan is a Top Safety Pick). Like nearly all other vehicles in this class, front side and side-curtain airbags are included, as are anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.

The Matrix is priced above the Corolla, but it isn't trying to be completely basic transportation in the same way, either. The base model comes with power windows and mirrors, air conditioning, and cruise control, while the S model adds fog lamps, keyless entry, and an upgraded sound system. A Sport Package is available on the S, and it includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and body skirting. But many shoppers will be disappointed to find out that a Bluetooth hands-free interface is only offered in the S model; step up to the Premium Package on S models and you get Bluetooth audio streaming, a USB input, and full iPod connectivity with a sound-system upgrade. Interior versatilityComfortable rideManeuverabilityHigher-mpg than a utility vehicleLimited cargo space (seats up)Rearward visibilityRoad noiseBare-bones interior trims

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