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V1

SAFETY ON THE ROAD

5 steps to avoiding distracted driving

Sharon Naylor
Remaining safe while driving in order to protect
yourself and everyone around you means avoiding as
many distractions as possible. According to a 2013 National Center for Statistics and Analysis study, on each
day in the United States, about eight people are killed
and 1,161 injured in crashes reported to involve a distracted driver.
Though you might immediately think of the visual
and manual distractions of texting, cognitive distractions also pull your attention away from the road, affecting your response times when a danger exists or crosses
into the road ahead of you. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists cognitive distractions as
anything that takes your mind off driving, which could
range from an animated conversation in your car to the
simultaneous sounds of a voice on the radio heard at the
same time as a speaking person in your car, resulting in
divided your attention. Texting while driving, then, is a
dangerous blend of all three distractions visual, manual and cognitive.
Yet its not just texting that poses great danger to your
focus while driving. Any number of distractions can occur, and it only takes a split second.
Here are five ways to cut down your risks of distracted
driving:
Use a hands-free device. Though its not a perfect
solution, a hands-free cell service, such as a Bluetooth, allows you to take a call without searching your
handbag for your smartphone. When used only for emergencies, and not for time-killing conversations with
friends, hands-free devices can allow you more focus on
your driving.
Have your passenger read signs. Some road signs
and illuminated traffic signs contain several lines
of text that can take your eyes off the road for a few seconds. Some of these signs are not emergency signs but
may instead feature something such as information on

1)

2)

bags into to keep your purchases from shifting, rolling

and causing destruction in the back of the car.
Harness or crate your dog. It may be easier to let
your dog jump into the back seat of your car, but
stopping short can cause your unrestrained pet injury.
Get your pet used to a safer way to travel, and you wont
need to keep looking in your rearview mirror to see
where he is or worry about him jumping into the front
seat to nuzzle you while youre driving.
Pull in to a parking lot for distracting activities. If
you must take an important business or personal
call, pull in to the nearest safe parking lot in order to
take the call. If you wish to eat or drink during your
commute, its far safer to do so while parked even if it
means adding a few minutes to your travel time than
it is to risk an accident because you dripped ketchup on
your shirt or spilled coffee on your lap. Trying to drink
from a piping hot cup of coffee while driving can result
in an unpleasant experience.
It may be unrealistic to achieve total silence from your
passengers while youre driving, but you can cut down
on the noise level by teaching your kids that its important for you to focus on the road, so requests must wait
until a red light. When you have adults in your car who
are talking too boisterously, arguing or creating any distractions, do not be afraid to ask them to keep it down.
They may not have noticed that youve entered a challenging stretch of the highway or a busy shopping area
where cars pull out of parking lots haphazardly. As the
diver and controller of the vehicle, you have every right
to ask for their consideration.
Reading and sending texts can wait until you reach
your destination, as texting while at a red light can still
cause distraction. For instance, with your attention on
texting, you may not see a bicyclist or pedestrian who
has moved up alongside your car. Teach your family the
rules of avoiding distracted driving both directly and via
your example to create a safer driving experience for all.
COPYRIGHT 2016 CREATORS.COM

4)

5)

Creators.com photo courtesy of Sharon Toris

Distractions while driving can lead to accidents
the free concert in the park coming up this weekend,
which could be an even bigger distraction. If your passenger reads important sign information to you, your
eyes stay on the road.
Secure groceries in the back of your car. If youve
ever driven home from the supermarket and hear
your groceries rolling around in the back of your car and
feared that your cantaloupe would crush your eggs, you
know the distraction of unsecured groceries. Set sturdy
bins in the back of your vehicle to place your grocery

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DONATING CARS & MOTORCYCLES

Donate your vehicle to a good cause and save money in the process
Kristen Castillo
If your car is barely running or isnt drivable, you can donate it to a variety of charities. Charities benefit by selling vehicles or
their parts to fund their nonprofit efforts.
But donating a vehicle benefits the owners,
as well.
By donating, you can get rid of the unwanted vehicle and can get a sizeable tax
write-off depending on your vehicles value.
In 2000, an estimated 733,000 people donated
a vehicle and claimed the deduction on their
federal tax return. These donations were
valued at about $2.5 billion, resulting in a reduced taxpayer liability of $654 million.
While this is an excellent opportunity, one
must research carefully beforehand, as donating a vehicle for tax savings isnt always
what it seems. When the General Accounting Office researched donations, they found
one instance where a donated 1983 truck
was valued at $2,400, but the charity sold it
at an auction and only received $31.50 after
administrative and advertising costs were
deducted.
Art Taylor, president and CEO of the
Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, recommends taking a few precautions
when donating a vehicle: Donors should
make sure theyre doing two main things:
taking the proper steps for tax deductibility and (checking) to make sure (theyre)
getting the most mileage out of (their) donation by researching the charity ahead of
donating.
Taylor recommends donors make sure
they correctly identify the charity theyre
looking for. It seems simple, but with so
many charities out there, mistaken identity
is a common problem, he says, explaining
that thousands of charities have the word

cancer in their name but have no connection with one another.

Chances are that donating your vehicle is
about more than a tax benefit. You want to
ensure your contribution can help the charity do its work.
It is important to do your due diligence
to make sure you are donating your car to a
charity that is financially efficient, ethical
and effective, says Sandra Miniutti, vice
president of marketing and CFO of Charity
Navigator, the largest independent charity
evaluator in the United States. Moreover,
you want to ensure that the charitys work
matches your philanthropic interests.
If youre passionate about the environment, consider donating to a green charity.
Do you care about kids and learning? Find a
charity that benefits youths and education.
Want to help veterans? Donate to a charity that supports troops and vets. Both BBB
and Charity Navigator are great sources for
finding the ideal charity because they dont
endorse specific charities for donations.
The best charities for car or motorcycle
donations are those donors can trust without hesitation, says Taylor, noting the BBB
has a list of accredited and worry-free
charities that meet certain standards and
expectations, such as disclosure (revealing
finance, governance, fundraising and marketing practices).
Its better to work with a charity if possible, not with a for-profit third party, which
facilitates donations but often at a pricey
cost. Now, how can you determine if a charity is worthy of your vehicle donation? First
things first: Make sure youre donating the
car, truck or motorcycle to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax-deductible.
When you have a charity in mind, speak
to someone who works there and ask how

Donate your old vehicle to a good cause; you will be doing yourself a favor and could be helping
others in the process!
much money from a vehicle donation will
actually go to the charity. It may receive a
fixed amount or a percentage of the sale.
Its also smart to check the IRS guidelines
to know how to properly document your donation for tax purposes. If your cars worth
brings your total noncash tax deductions to
less than $500, obtain written acknowledgement of the donation from the charity and
keep it in your records. For total noncash
deductions over $500, you need to fill out the
IRS form 8283. Deductions over $5,000 require a written professional appraisal, too.
Keep photos of the vehicle and detailed records of the donation.
Calculate your cars worth at Fair Market

Value. Otherwise, you can only deduct the

amount the charity sells your car for at auction, which is usually written on the receipt
the charity sends you after the vehicle is
sold.
And one last but very important thing:
Dont forget to transfer the vehicles title after the donation is made. Keep a copy of the
transfer just in case theres an issue with a
parking ticket or accident before the vehicle
is sold by the charity.
Now that you have some guidelines and
suggestions, youre ready to make an educated donation. Youll save on taxes and
contribute to a good cause, too. Its a winwin.

4 reasons for a check engine light

Vehicles rely on many
components working harmoniously to function
at optimal capacity. Any
number of systems can go
wrong, and oftentimes the
first indication that something has gone awry is an
illuminated dashboard
signal.
One such signal is the
check engine light.
Many drivers have little
idea what to do when this indicator lights
up, and this light can cause some anxiety.
According to Consumer Reports, a check
engine light turning on does not usually
require immediate action. However, it
does mean that you should make an appointment to have the vehicle inspected
for potential problems.
Check engine lights are part of a cars
onboard diagnostics. The light turning on
may indicate something minor, such as a
loose fuel cap, or something more serious
like a misfiring engine. When the light
turns on, drivers wondering why may
want to see if the answer is related to one
of the following issues.
Loose gas cap: Fuel vapors can leak
out and air can get in when the fuel

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Too much speed or load: Towing a

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put strain on the vehicle and cause the
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Lightening the load and reducing speed
can help fix the problem. Always consult
with the owners manual to determine the
towing capacity of your vehicle.
Short or faulty code: Computers
arent always fool-proof, and sometimes an electrical short or another simi-

4.

cap isnt secured correctly. This can compromise the fuel system and make the
check engine light come on. Take off the
cap and then reseal it to see if that alleviates the problem. Cracked caps will need
to be replaced.
Dirty oxygen sensor: A faulty or
clogged sensor may not provide the
right information about unburned oxygen from the vehicles exhaust. This sensor monitors how much fuel is burned.
Compromised data can cause a decrease
in fuel efficiency. Some do-it-yourselfers
can replace an oxygen sensor on their
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issue addressed immediately by a professional.

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lar problem can cause a light to come on.

Bring the vehicle to an automotive supply
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computer and provide a more detailed
understanding of what is triggering the
check engine indicator.
In many cases, a steady check engine
light is not a serious concern. However,
when such a light comes on, drivers should
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ROAD RAGE BE GONE

V3

Reclaiming calm in the car

Diane Schlindwein
You know how it goes. You hit the snooze button on the
alarm one too many times; the kids were dawdling; and
then you couldnt find your keys. Suddenly, you are running late for work, and to top it all off, traffic is at a standstill. Its enough to make even the most even-tempered
person feel stressed out.
Commuting to work or anywhere else, for that matter is a fact of life, and so are traffic delays. In fact, a
recent national survey showed that on average, people
spend at least four hours a week in the car just traveling
back and forth to work. Thats a lot of time to be aggravated and behind the wheel. But fear not: There are several simple steps to reclaiming the calm in your car.
In fact, how you feel on your commute can be controlled even before you get behind the wheel. Although a
lot of people begin their day with a strong cup of coffee,
many registered dieticians suggest that you switch out
your morning travel cup of coffee with green tea. Coffee
might wake you up, but the tea is naturally soothing and
promotes relaxation.
A good chuckle always lowers your stress level, so try
listening to a comedy podcast or tuning in to a comedy
channel. Or listen to an audiobook. Finding out what
happens next to the main characters is bound to provide
a safe distraction.
If you happen to get stuck in traffic, are waiting on a
slow train to pass or are just plain having a bad morning, remember to look around. Everyone on the road is
waiting right along with you! Take that opportunity to
take a few deep breaths, roll your shoulders, stretch your
neck from side to side and loosen your grip on the steering wheel. Traffic might still be tied up, but the tension
in your body will be a lot more bearable.
Moreover, getting upset in traffic gets you nowhere

and reckless driving certainly wont make traffic move

any faster. Youll just be more agitated, and you could
even have an accident. In fact, road rage where flaring tempers mix with 2-ton machines continues to be
a problem on Americas roads. However, there are solutions that can at least reduce the number of road rage
incidents.
People who are easily angered by slower drivers, detours and other traffic disruptions can be taught to be
more aware of their responses and modify them to reduce accidents, according to research published last year
by the Society for Risk Analysis.
That lets calm down approach is applauded by wellness expert and author Scott Morofsky. Sometimes
theres this tendency to throw on the brakes when someone is tailgating us, or use an obscene gesture at an aggressive driver, he says. But when you encounter an
aggressive driver, you dont want to engage them or do
anything to further agitate them.
So what are some of the behaviors that aggravate other drivers? The No. 1 culprit is drivers who are texting,
according to a 2015 Road Rage Report by Expedia.com.
Other offenders are tailgaters, left-lane hogs, slow drivers and drivers who are multitasking.
Probably all of us at some time have been angry and
someone wisely told us to take a deep breath, Morofsky
says. Thats actually good advice, because breathing
and taking in oxygen plays an important role in every
area of our health and well-being.
Remember, no matter what time you leave home you
are still bound to encounter traffic issues. However, if
you change your mindset youll probably arrive at your
destination a little more relaxed and maybe youll
even have a smile on your face.
COPYRIGHT 2016 CREATORS.COM

Creators.com photo courtesy of Diane Schlindwein

Taking deep breaths and listening to comedy podcasts can
help you stay calm through your commute.

BUCKLE UP FOR THE FUTURE

Future car technologies will cater to our convenience,
health and global environment

Jeanelle D. Horcasitas
We live in a world of science fiction. Some of the impossible futures we once envisioned have now become our
reality. Technological advances in our cellphones, such
as Siri and Google Voice, allow us to speak to our devices
like people. We can ask for directions to the newest restaurant and send a text message without ever touching a
button. Although flying cars or hover cars havent made
their way to car dealerships just yet, there are a myriad
of mind-boggling car technologies on the horizon.

Cars That Drive Themselves

Cars That Keep You Alive

Tracking ones health has become effortless with accessories like the Fitbit, a watch that can measure your
heartbeat and calories burned with the tap of a button.
What if these devices could link up to your car? Well,
thats the next big thing in the works: active health
monitoring in cars. Imagine having all your health data
synced to your car while you drive. Therefore, if the driver is beginning to suffer from a panic attack from stress,
the car could alert the driver. Forbes also notes that this
technology pairs perfectly with autonomous vehicles because of its health and safety capabilities: If the driver
suffered from a heart attack or seizure, the car would be
able to pull over and contact paramedics for help. This
type of technology could be especially useful for the elderly or those suffering from chronic illnesses. Forbes
reported that the Ford Motor Company has previewed
Creators.com photo courtesy of Adolphus the idea of seatbelt or steering wheel sensors that track
vital statistics. This, and the fact that health and safety
Cars of the future have surprises in store!
are always top concerns with vehicles, shows that this
new technology is bound to make its way to the market.

Now, were not exactly on the level of Transformers,

but technology is definitely shifting driving responsibilities from people to the cars themselves. In fact, there
are already cars that can drive without a driver. For
instance, Audi released a car that can self-park. With a
quick YouTube search youll find a video of the car effortlessly driving itself into a parking garage to park in a
spot. It sounds too good to be true, right? This video also
shows an app that you can control to make your car park,
track its location and then pick you up. When youre
ready to leave a location, you request a pickup and your autonomous vehicles are ubiquitous, although some veOne of the defining factors customers evaluate when
car comes to you. Self-parking vehicles are just a small hicles driven without any human help are expected be buying a car is the gas mileage. Gas prices today are constep in a larger mission to create a fully autonomous ve- on the market by 2020.
stantly in flux, its hard to know how expensive a weekhicle. A Forbes article reports it will take years before
end vacation or even carpooling your kids to school will
be. However, there are many cars already on the market
today that dont require standard fuel at all: hydrogen
fuel-cell cars. This is the fuel of the future. According to
CNN, hydrogen fuel-cell cars can drive up to 400 miles
and be recharged in just minutes. But the best part is,
they do not require gasoline or diesel to refuel, and they
only emit water, making them extremely environmentally friendly. Toyota and Hyundai have already issued
fuel-cell vehicles, and Honda is on its way. Of course,
these cars come at a price. According to Edmunds, the
hydrogen fuel-cell cars currently cost around $60,000
with a $499 monthly lease. As it usually happens with
the new it product, it may take a few years for the price
YOU NEED TO CALL
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Safe driving techniques have changed

Driving today is different than it might have been when
many motorists first earned their drivers licenses. As a
result, safe driving techniques have changed. Learning
these changes and adjusting driving habits can keep motorists and their passengers safe.
Watch the clock. Older guidelines indicated keeping hands on the steering wheel at the positions of 10
and 2 if you were imagining it as a clock. New information indicates this can be dangerous to the arms
and hands should the air bag deploy in a crash. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and
AAA now say you should grip the wheel at the 9 and 3
positions, which safely allows drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
heavy load. Various states and areas have specific laws
Change your turns. Air bag safety also comes into
governing the use of hazard lights, including when
play when making turns. Rather than the formerly
and when not to use them. Hazard lights may inadvertaught way of hand-over-hand turning, drivers should
tently put drivers in danger because they can override
push with one hand and pull with the other to steer
turning signals. Some other drivers have become so
the wheel safely keeping their hands away from the
accustomed to seeing hazard lights that they may not
plastic casing and the possible release of heat and prestake them seriously. Esurance suggests checking local
sure from an exploding air bag.
laws to determine which situations warrant using haz Use hazard lights only when real hazards are
ard lights.
encountered. Some people are very generous in their
use of hazard lights, turning them on when double- Dont block the fast lane. The far-left lane has
long been considered the passing lane. Although some
parking, in bad weather or when they are carrying a

police departments have become more lenient in allowing drivers to actually stay in the left lane, its still
courteous to use it as infrequently as possible. When
you do find yourself in the left lane, recognize that you
should maintain highway speed or accelerate slightly
to get around the car you need to pass. Driving slowly
in the left lane can compromise your own safety and
that of your passengers and fellow drivers.
Anticipate road conditions. There are differences
between driving on rural roads, paved roads and heavily trafficked highways, especially during inclement
weather or when encountering adverse conditions.
Theres no magic speed or technique that is ideal all
of the time. Drivers need to learn to adapt to the conditions to facilitate safe passage. Keep in mind that it
can be difficult to stop on gravel, wet roadways or those
covered with leaves.
Avoid the big rush. Always try to leave extra time to
reach a destination. This way you will not have to speed
or make tricky maneuvers to get to an appointment on
time. Rushing around can lead to distractions or unsafe practices. Reduce your accident risk by building
extra time into your trip.
Driving rules are not static, and drivers should stay
current on practices that are safe and those that are no
longer correct to use on the roadways.

How to handle car trouble while driving

to mile markers and any landmarks that
jack in the car at all times. Flat tires
Sudden car trouble is something no drivmight help you describe where you are.
are no fun, but they are even more of a
er wants to experience, but many a driver
Car troubles can strike at any time and
nuisance when drivers are not prepared
has been driving down the highway only to
anywhere, so be sure to pay special attento address them. Always keep a jack and
feel his or her vehicle start to sputter. Such
tion to your surroundings when driving
spare tire in your car, even if the spare
sputtering might indicate a car is running
in unfamiliar areas.
is a donut you can temporarily use to relow on fuel, or it could be a sign of someplace a flat tire until you make it to a fill- Pull over. Dont panic if an issue arises
thing more serious that requires motorists
suddenly. Remain calm and pull over
ing station or automotive supply store.
to think as quickly and safely as possible.
onto the shoulder. The right shoulder is
As an added safety measure, keep a fully
When car trouble strikes while a vehicle
the area for pulling over on most roads,
stocked first aid kit in your vehicle in
is on the road, the first thing many drivers
but you may also use the left shoulder on
case you cut yourself while changing the
do is check their fuel gauges. A car that
multilane highways with medians. Try
tire or need to address another medical
runs out of gas is certainly inconvenient,
to get as far away from traffic as possible
situation. Visit www.redcross.org for a
but if you can pull over to the shoulder or
without driving off of level ground, and
list of items to include in your automomake it to the nearest filling station, then
always use your signals when pulling
tive emergency kit. Keep a blanket in the
this unfortunate situation can be remedied
onto the shoulder. If the vehicle cant
trunk as well so your passengers can stay
rather easily. But when a cars tank is full
make it to the median, put your emerwarm should you experience car trouble
and it is still showing signs of trouble,
gency flashers on and get out of the car,
on a cold day or night.
drivers must take steps to protect themmoving away from both the vehicle and
selves, their passengers and their vehicles. Make note of your surroundings.
traffic. Immediately call for emergency
Some car troubles can only be fixed by
The following are a few simple tips motorroadside assistance, alerting the authorithe professionals, so pay careful attenists should keep in mind so they can safeties if need be.
tion to your surroundings in case an
ly handle any car trouble that may arise
issue arises and forces you to pull over Use flares or triangles to alert othwhile they are out on the road.
er drivers. So long as you are not riskand call for help. Always pay attention
Keep a first-aid kit, spare tire and tire

ing your well-being, you can place flares

and/or warning triangles behind your
vehicle so oncoming traffic knows to
drive around it. The popular not-for-profit motor club AAA recommends placing
the first flare or triangle 10 feet directly
behind the side of the vehicle that is
closest to the road. The second should
be placed between 30 and 60 feet (increase the distances as the posted speed
limit increases) behind the middle of the
bumper, while the third flare or triangle
should be placed between 120 and 360 feet
behind the vehicles right side.
Stay with the vehicle. Once you have
called for help and set up flares or triangles, stay with the vehicle, though do so
at a safe enough distance so you are not
in harms way.
Sudden car troubles can be scary, but
drivers who approach such issues calmly
and quickly can reduce their risk for accident or injury.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

How to prep your motorcycle for safe spring sightseeing

Sharon Naylor
Spring is a popular time for sightseeing
motorcycle tours, as spring blooms come to
life and sunny days welcome road trips. Mark
Zimmerman, author of The Essential Guide
to Motorcycle Maintenance, says that bringing your motorcycle out of storage in spring
requires steps to maintain your bikes performance ability and protect you on the road.
There should be some preventive steps
taken before you put the bike away, says
Zimmerman. Your bike should be properly
stored, your tires filled and your battery on
a smart charger. Yet even with the smartest
pre-storage steps taken, your bike will still
need to be prepped before you take it out on
the road this spring. Zimmerman shares his
top tips:
Do a general check-over to be sure that
mice havent made nests in the air intake.
That happens often, even if youve taken
steps to prevent mice from getting access.
They can still find a way in.
Make sure the battery is fully charged up.
Its also smart to get a smart battery charger that turns off when the bike is fully
charged. Check your battery fluid levels
before charging. If you have lithium bat-

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teries, check the owners manual for proper

charging.
Check the tire pressure. Even if you filled
the tires before you put your bike into storage, air will still leak out. Use a tire gauge
to be sure your bikes tires are filled to the
specifications in your owners manual.
Check for signs of tire wear as well, as it
may be time to replace the tires before your
first spring road trip.
Make sure that the lights and horn work.
Check to make sure all nuts and bolts are
tight. When you give your bike a good wash
and wax, thats when you may be likely to
discover loosened nuts and bolts that need
to be tightened.
Check to be sure your brakes work well.
Since brake fluid tends to absorb oxygen
over time, do a complete flush of your
brake system using new brake fluid.
Additional steps include checking your
fuel and fuel system. Gasoline deteriorates
quickly, and after a few months the more
combustible elements of gas will have begun
to evaporate, which may cause your bike not
to work. And gas that sits in the gas tank also
reacts with oxygen, potentially creating deposits in the fuel system that can clog your
fuel line, filters and injectors. Proper winter-

can affect your bikes performance. Then add

fresh fuel to the tank.
If you did not change the oil as part of your
winterizing steps, change the oil before this
new riding season. And check your owners
manual for the proper timing and steps for
your air filter replacement, as well.
Check to be sure your coolant is at the proper level, or do a complete flush and replacement of your coolant.
And finally, the fun part: Its time to ride.
Zimmerman warns that the first spring ride
may have you on a road that still has sand on
it from winter-weather treatment, so youll
need to exercise extra caution while riding.
Casual riders who dont ride year-round can
often be rusty with their motorcycle skills,
says Zimmerman. On your first ride, youll
need to re-acclimate yourself. And casual
riders tend to underdress for the first spring
Creators.com photo courtesy of Sharon Toris
ride. While the temperature may be a comGet your bike ready for a scenic spring road trip.
fortable 50 degrees outside, it can get chilly
when youre going 60 miles per hour on the
ization removes unused fuel or adds fuel sta- road.
bilizer in the tank. If you did drain your fuel
COPYRIGHT 2016 CREATORS.COM
last season, inspect the inside of your gas
tank for signs of rust or condensation that

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cadillac news | Trusted. Local. Connected

V5

CLASSIC MOTORCYCLES
New or old, motorcycles are iconic
Chelle Cordero
The power of the bike, the speed and
wind rushing by, the feeling of being enveloped by the elements, it can give a rider
the ultimate feeling of freedom and power.
The crowd notices when you pull up. Its a
heady feeling to arrive at your destination
on a classic motorcycle.
A classic motorcycle is an icon from a
time long ago, a time that represented freedom and political ideals, a historical period that fascinates. From the first American-made motorcycle in the early 1900s
(the company was first called the Hendee
Manufacturing Co., and later the name
was changed to the Indian Motorcycle
Co.) through today, the sleek lines, throaty
noise and powerful engines of motorcycles
have been admired and desired. Other motorcycle companies began the manufacturer of popular bikes such as the American
Harley-Davidson and Indian, English bikes
like Royal Enfield and Triumph, the German DKW. In 1953, well after World War
II, the outlaw biker film The Wild One
starring Marlon Brando, helped to further
romanticize the fascination with the powerful and free-spirited machines and their
riders.
Like all machinery, parts wear and need
replacement. While technology contin-

ues to improve on the control, safety and

economy of modern-day motorcycles, fans
still yearn for the models of yesteryear. As
parts break down, motorcycle enthusiasts
must decide on trying to preserve the genuine antiquity or allow it to fade.
Many of todays motorcycle manufacturers have answered the pleas of the riding
community and feature modern bikes designed to be reminiscent of the early icons
while still focusing on fuel economy, safety
and durability. But what if you have one of
the actual vintage machines? How can you
maintain it and preserve the authenticity
when many of the original parts are (allegedly) no longer manufactured?
Classic motorcycle enthusiasts offer a
few suggestions for restoration. You have
to decide if the look and lines of the bike
are more important than the legitimacy
of the parts. Do you want to ride it or show
it? For instance, if you are replacing the
wheels and tires, you might be able to find
used and authentic pieces for sale (try eBay,
junkyards, etc.) that are in reasonable
shape; however, the original equipment
is still old. If you want to race the bike or
do serious cross-country riding, you may
want custom-designed wheels and spokes
that copy the earlier look.
Many motorcycle retailers thrive on
making new sales and may not be helpful in

Creators.com photo courtesy of Indian Motorcycle

The Indian Chief Vintage combines the timeless sense of yesteryear with the modern capabilities
todays riders demand.
finding original equipment manufacturer
parts based on the age and model. Other
times, parts are interchangeable and you
might have better luck asking for a specific
part number rather than a thing for your
1989 bike. Some companies make and
sell copycat parts that look like the original
but may be a different material altogether
such as fiberglass fenders instead of the
old rusted ones. Sometimes modern aftermarket parts will last longer and work
better, such as brake systems. Once again,
check places where you might find used authentic parts.
When considering true restoration, try
to replace the engine mechanical parts
with OEM pieces when available even if
you need to compromise on body parts.
Paint is another area where you may need

to compromise since many manufacturers have limited runs on signature colors.

One advantage of restoring original parts
is that they were often painted, so you
can sand down the metal and spray paint
(enamel) for a good finish.
If it is the look and feel you want but you
dont have the patience, skill or funds to
painstakingly restore a classic motorcycle
back to its original glory, then check out
some modern classics picked from sources
including automotive and motorcycle magazines as well as consumer groups: the 2016
Triumph Bonneville, the Yamaha XSR700,
the Indian Chief Vintage, the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, the Moto Guzzi V7, BMW R
Nine T and the Royal Enfield Classic.
COPYRIGHT 2016 CREATORS.COM

SMALL AND MIGHTY

Maximize storage capacity for a motorcycle getaway

Sharon Naylor
A crisp breeze, the open road, the purr of your engine
when preparing for a motorcycle getaway, there are a
lot of fun things to think about. One of the harder aspects
to think about is where you will be putting everything for
your trip. Del Vidaurri, president and CEO of NYC Motorcycle Tours, says, Ive done tours to Louisiana, and
people on the tour definitely want to bring a lot of their
belongings. To allow for added storage space on the motorcycle, hard luggage sections and added storage gear are
sensible solutions.
Touring cruisers dont always have luggage, says Vidaurri. For certain bikes, youll find luggage options made
for that model through the company, but many people find
that there are few universal options that work with all
bikes. I searched and found a company that makes universal luggage for all bikes and found that a company called
Mutazu offers a wide selection of universal luggage for
bikes.
While spacious and efficient luggage is the goal, Vidaurri says that theres also an aesthetic element. You want
your bike to look like a big cruiser, and luggage cases will
make a narrow bike appear larger.
Here are some additional storage options for motorcycles that may allow you to go on more extensive motorcycle getaways:
Saddlebags. These storage bags hang on either side

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or polyester. Some manufacturers customize saddlebags

for bike brands and types, fitting them with a bracket to
suit the bike. Some are made with protective covers to
protect them from the elements, and if you find a saddlebag that doesnt have a cover of its own, you can purchase
one. Saddlebags are affordable and provide an impressive
amount of storage space within.
Panniers. These storage cases are often made of hard
materials such as metal and aluminum, and they also
hang on either side of a motorcycle, often around the back
wheel. In some models, panniers can be positioned higher,

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providing a backrest for a rider. They may be permanently installed or removable.

Handlebar bags. Handlebar bags are often fitted
between the motorcycle handlebars, as they are much
smaller than saddlebags and panniers, and they may also
be attached elsewhere on the bike, such as strapped onto
the side of the bike or fitted on the back of the bike. They
are usually made of nylon, opening with a zipper for easy
access.
Tank bags. Also a smaller storage case for a motorcycle, a tank bag fits on the front tank of the motorcycle,
optimizing storage use of that space, used to carry small
items like wallets and snacks.
Vidaurri says, Youll find so many variations of storage cases and bags that dont normally fit on a specific
band of motorcycle. This makes customizing your bikes
storage capacity less of a challenge, not limiting you to
the sometimes pricey storage cases available from your
particular bikes manufacturer.
Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the installation guidelines via the owners manual, so that youre
not stuck at the time of departure without the necessary
brackets and straps. Additional equipment may need to be
special-ordered. So take out your bike and fit all of your
storage cases and bags well before your trip to be sure that
your departure time stays on target and that youre able to
securely attach all of your removable bags for your riding
safety, as well as the safekeeping of your belongings.
COPYRIGHT 2016 CREATORS.COM

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Creators.com photo courtesy of NYC Motorcycle tours, Del Vidaurri

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TAKE TO THE ROAD

Customize your truck and trailer for your next adventure

DiAnne Crown
If your next summer adventure involves trailering a
boat, camper or ATV, youll need a vehicle with enough
power and weight to tow it. Ram sales expert Javan Kennedy has plenty of tips to get you headed in the right direction.
Kennedy works at a Ram dealership, where he helps
customers of all ages turn their work and recreation
plans into a reality. Most of the people who come in
want a 2500 truck to trailer a camper and tour the country. But he asserts that there are a few basic things to
think about first. Ideally, people should have a game plan
before they buy a truck. Pick out what you want to tow.
Then get the truck, he says.
You have to think about the logistics of what you want
to tow. Anytime youre going to pull something with a
trailer, the first question is, How much does what you
want to pull weigh? Once customers know what they
want to tow, Kennedy uses a chart with engine, suspension and transmission options to narrow down the right
vehicle for each customer. He helps them figure out the
trailer size, the size and type of engine, cabin size, gear
ratio, fuel options and two- and four-wheel drive.
Every feature of the car must be considered: Do you
really need four-wheel drive for your vehicle? You may,
depending on conditions, such as needing to lower a boat
down a muddy lake launch. But your (maximum) towable weight actually goes down with four-wheel drive.
After you cover the basics, you can decide on the vehicle options that affect the quality of your ride and how
the car handles: The more money you want to spend

the better your ride. Take suspension, for example. Airride suspension provides a smoother ride when pulling
a heavy load. You can also select coilover and leaf-spring
suspension.
And there are, of course, some helpful cosmetic options: Some trucks come with bed lights that shine on
the trailer hitch, which is nice when you have to hook up
your trailer at night. Having an electrical hookup next to
the license plate makes connections easier. Back-up cameras can be installed at the top of the cab or at the back of
the bed by the taillight.
If youd rather not buy a new truck and you think your
current vehicle can handle the job, Kennedy emphasizes
the importance of knowing your vehicles exact towing
capacity: Dont exceed the towing capacity because
youll damage the life span of your vehicle. Towing is already harder on the engine. If you try to pull more than
your engine is capable of, you can shorten your vehicles
life and may void your warranty.
If you dont know what towing capacity means, search
how much weight can my car tow? on the web and
youll see several results. LoveToKnow describes towing capacity as the maximum amount of weight it can
pull without damaging your car or impairing your ability to handle it. The site echoes Kennedys warning,
too: Towing too much weight can make it harder to stop
your car or avoid road obstacles. It can also damage your
wheel bearings, brakes, transmission, engine and axle.
To find out your tow rating, check your owners manual
or the certificate of compliance on the inside door panel
on the drivers side. For detailed charts, terms, calculations and examples, visit the Towing Resource Guide

Creators.com photo courtesy of DiAnne Crown

Customize your truck and trailer for your next adventure.

on the CURT towing manufacturer website or the Ford

Guide to Towing online.
Once you know this information, its time to visit a
trailer dealer. Youll discuss cargo and utility styles,
number of axles needed, trailer brakes, ramps, a side
entrance, warranties and more. There is a perfect choice
for everyone! Planning ahead for your trailer-travel trip
will save you time, money and frustration.
COPYRIGHT 2016 CREATORS.COM

GOOD CLEAN FUN

Keeping your car clean this summer

Julia Price

Summertime often calls for adventure,

travel and exploration, which means getting dirty along the way. While that can
lead to a lot of fun-filled memories, it can
also lead to a lot of dirt-filled car interiors!
But have no fear there are tons of easy
tips to keep your car clean and ready for
your next journey ahead.
One of the ways you can stay on top of
the dirt, mud, sand and grass leftovers is
to prepare for them with some DIY organizational must-haves ready to go at all
times. You can pick up some towels at Target, sometimes bundles starting at as low
as $5, and keep them in a small bin in your
trunk. That way, whether youre heading
back from the beach or the woods, you can
use the towels to dust and wipe off any
residue from the outdoors, and then place
the towels on the seats to keep those clean,
as well. Of course, dont forget to do the
simple tap; you simply just tap your foot on
the ledge of the car until the excess sand/
dirt/debris falls off, and whatever doesnt
fall, you can always scrape away.
Its also a great idea to keep one or two
extra empty bins in the back (plastic or
mini-crates) so that you can throw your or
your kids dirty clothes, wet swimsuits or
swampy hiking boots in the back for easy
transferal into your house or garage when
you get home. You may also want to fill one
plastic bag with other plastic bags in case
you want to keep things extra clean.
You can designate another small bin
as your extra stuff pile. Fill it with dry,
clean underwear, socks, a warm T-shirt,
sweatpants, sneakers and bathing suit.
This has you covered in case you forget to

pack extra dry clothes or if you feel like being spontaneous.

Keeping a blanket in your trunk is another way to plan ahead for getting dirty.
The summertime naturally welcomes the
idea of sitting in the grass, the beach, or
anywhere outside while enjoying activities. Therefore, having a blanket on hand
that you can get dirty can cut your cleaning time in half. Just keep the blanket
stored for any opportunity and wash it
overnight when needed. Target offers several options of durable outdoor blankets,
with fleece and nylon options, as well, for
the more rugged adventures that call your
name. You can find an option that doubles
as a baby blanket, in case youre looking to
keep the littlest ones extra clean.
In the middle seat, you can create a DIY
garbage that can be passed around. The
simplest and most cost-effective option is
to save leftover bags (paper or plastic) from
the grocery and change them out every few
days or whenever they fill up. This sounds
like a small and relatively obvious idea,
but it can be a lifesaver, especially when it
comes to cutting down on the time it takes
to crawl around and reach your hands under the seats to get to the bottom of whatever that strange smell is.
A great option for cleaning products is to
buy a back of seat organizers from various
online stores. Target has several great selections to choose from, most under the $15
mark. You can stock up on wet wipes, hand
sanitizers and paper towels, but this is also
a great organizer for your essentials
flashlights, maps, small first-aid kits ... really anything that you can fit into the small
mesh sections. Sounds like a win-win!
If you want to save time and maximize ef-

ficiency, there are many car vacuum cleaners to choose from, ranging anywhere from
$15 to $150. Some of the most well-known
brands create a battery-operated, car-specific version of their products.
You can also invest in an unlimited
monthly membership at a carwash where
you can pop in and out and have them
clean your interior as often as youd like.
Groupon is a great option for finding deals
for monthly packages or several sessions
for a much lower price than what youd
normally pay for one. You can get another
over-the-seat hanger for the passenger side
of the car where you can store the mini

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2013

SAVE 10,000
*with trade assistance and financing through FMCC

120

120
2

get a
rebate by mail
when you use the Ford Service Credit Card.

231-775-6261
3 1/2 miles East of Meijer on
Boon Rd., Cadillac

49

Check belts Clean AC condenser

Check evaporation drain
Expires 5/31/16

LUBE, OIL
&To getFILTER
a service rebate, simply go to fordowner.com/rebates. Have your repair order handy,

95

enter some basic information and youre done. Its easy and convenient, just like our service.

50

mail go to fordowner.com/rebates. Have your repair order handy,

To get a servicerebate
rebate,bysimply
when you use the
enter some basic
information
and Card.
youre3 done. Its easy and convenient, just like our service.
Ford Service Credit

QUICK LANE OIL CHANGE

39

ON ANY MOTORCRAFT BRAKE SERVICE

95

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
OPEN MON.-FRI. 9 AM-4 PM

Retail purchases only. Up to five quarts of

synthetic blend oil and oil filter. Includes tire
rotation, taxes, diesel vehicles and disposal
fees extra. Hybrid battery test excluded. See
service advisor for vehicle exclusions.

With the purchase of a brake

service, replacement brake pads
will be provided at no cost for as
long as the client owns the vehicle.
4
Expires 12/31/2016
Dealer-installed retail purchases only. Limit one redemption per customer. $60 tire rebate on Michelin, Goodyear, Dunlop, Continental, Hankook, Pirelli, Bridgestone and Yokohama. Tire rebate by prepaid debit

an active Owner Advantage Rewards account. $60 credit card rebate by prepaid debit card only and cannot be used for payment to the Ford Service Credit Card. Subject to credit approval. Complete purchase mu
the Ford Service Credit Card. Offer valid between 4/1/16 and 6/30/16. Submit rebate by 7/31/16 by mail-in rebate form or online at fordowner.com. Cannot be combined with any other tire manufacturer-sp
Service Credit Card rebate/offer. See participating U.S. dealership for vehicle applications, rebate and account details. 2Valid on dealer-installed retail purchases only. Requires presentation of competitors current
exact tire sold by dealership within 30 days after purchase. See participating U.S. dealership for details through 12/31/16. 3Retail purchases only. Dealer-installed brake pads or shoes. Exclusions apply. Limit one re
Taxes extra. Subject to credit approval. Complete purchase must be made on the Ford Service Credit Card. Offer valid between 4/1/16 and 6/30/16. Submit rebate by 7/31/16 by mail-in rebate form or online at fo
Rebate per axle ($50 with Ford Service Credit Card, $25 without Ford Service Credit Card) paid by debit card. $25 credit rebate by prepaid debit card only and cannot be used for payment to the Ford Service Credit C
rebate by prepaid debit card or apply to an active Owner Advantage Rewards account. See participating U.S. dealership for vehicle applications, rebate and account details. 4Eligible Motorcraft brake pads purchas
Nontransferable. Requires copy of original repair order and completion of any other necessary brake service, such as brake rotor service. Replacement Motorcraft brake pads must be installed by a U.S. Ford or Linc
or Quick Lane technician to be eligible. Labor costs not included. Restrictions and exclusions apply. See Service Advisor for details. 5Subject to credit approval. Rebate valid on qualifying purchase before tax; not v
purchases. Complete purchase must be made on the Ford Service Credit Card. Offer valid through 6/30/16. Submit rebate by 7/31/16 by mail-in rebate form or online at fordowner.com. Limit one $25 mail-i
Rebate by prepaid debit card and cannot be used for payment to the Ford Service Credit Card. Cannot be combined with other Ford Service Credit Card offers. Valid at participating U.S. Ford Dealerships.

149
$

PROFESSIONAL
DETAILING PACKAGE

25
$25 Rebate

Service Includes: Interior Vacuum, Clean Interior Glass, Shampoo Carpet &
Motorcraft is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
Seats, Exterior rebate
Wash & Wax, Clean Door Jambs & Trunk Offer Expires 6/30/16
by mail
when you use your Ford Service Credit Card to make
a qualifying purchase of $250 or more (before tax).5
by mail when you use the Ford
by mail when you use the Ford
Service Credit Card to make a
Service Credit Card ON ANY
qualifying purchase of $250 of
MOTORCRAFT BREAK SERVICE
Expires 6/30/16
more (before tax) Expires 6/30/16

Up to 5 quarts conventional oil

Synthetic & diesel extra. Expires 5/31/16

CERTIFIED SERVICE
& TIRE CENTER

South End Business US-131, Exit 177, Cadillac

www.HighpointAuto.com
(231) 775-1222 1-800-828-9852

foxfordofcadillac.com
1450 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI

Dealer-installed retail purchases only. Limit one redemption per customer. $60 tire rebate on Michelin, Goodyear, Dunlop, Continental, Hankook, Pirelli, Bridgestone and Yokohama. Tire rebate by prepaid debit card or apply to
an active Owner Advantage Rewards account. $60 credit card rebate by prepaid debit card only and cannot be used for payment to the Ford Service Credit Card. Subject to credit approval. Complete purchase must be made on
the Ford Service Credit Card. Offer valid between 4/1/16 and 6/30/16. Submit rebate by 7/31/16 by mail-in rebate form or online at fordowner.com. Cannot be combined with any other tire manufacturer-sponsored or Ford

ENDS 6.30.16

CAR CLEANING
ENDS
6.30.16

AC PERFORMANCE
TEST $
95
get a
rebate by mail
Pressure test
of sealed
portion of
when you use the Ford Service
Credit
Card.
AC system Check for leaks

24

(231) 775-4931

Toll-Free at (800) 968-0243

Why buy tires anywhere else when your

Ford Dealer offers all of this:
13 major brands
30-day price guarantee
All makes and models

Ask Us About Randys Backyard Storage! Rates Starting at $10/mo.

Sat. 9 am-3 pm

BUY FOUR SELECT TIRES,

BUY FOUR SELECT TIRES,

Mon, Thurs 9 am-8 pm Tues, Wed, Fri 9 am-6 pm

1450 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI

RANDYS

Western and Meyer Plows & Parts - New & Used

Buying Used Plow Parts Call Us Today! 231-775-6261

OFF MSRP!

foxfordofcadillac.com

Complete Auto Detailing: Includes buffing, waxing, remove little

rust dots & tar. Interior includes shampoo carpet, seats, door panels,
trunk, Armor-all all vinyl, power wash floor mats

Snowplow Sales & Service

F-150 Crew Cab XLT 4x4

TRUCK MONTH SPECIAL!

AND MORE
$

INCREASE ThE VALUE of YoUR CAR!

Call Today!

vacuum cleaner.
If you check out Amazon.com and search
for the California Car Duster, youll find
a nontoxic duster that doesnt require any
additional cleaning spray. You can use it to
wipe away crumbs or other little annoyances that can turn into bigger problems if
left to sit.
Overall, the memories of summer always outweigh the little frustration that
comes with having a dirty car, but these
tips and tricks should help leave you with
more time to focus on the stuff that really
matters: the fun!
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$50 Rebate

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Toll-Free at (855) 608-6464