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Replace existing wiper blades at the beginning of each winter so driver visibility is not compromised.

Motorists spend hours behind the

wheel and spend lots of money on main-

tenance to ensure their vehicles are in top working order. But tires are one area of maintenance that often goes un-checked, even by the most diligent auto-mobile owners.

Tires undergo a lot of wear and tear, which only highlights the importance of proper tire maintenance. But many driv-ers do not give tires a passing thought until there is a problem, such as a flat or excessive wear. Also, some drivers think that all tires are the same, failing to realize that the kind of tires vehicles need depends on various factors. In ad-dition to the size and type of vehicle, drivers should consider the type of driving they do and the driving condi-tions they routinely encounter before choosing tires for their vehicles. Many vehicles come off the lot with all-season passenger tires because these tires are among the most versatile. However, if you live in a particular climate or do a lot of driving that requires specific trac-tion or maneuverability, all-season tires may not be the best bet. The following are descriptions of common tire types and the conditions in which they might make the best fit.

All-SeasonAll-season tires provide all-season

versatility, good wear and ride comfort. They can be dependable tires and offer

light snow traction as well. All-season tires provide adequate pro-

tection in many conditions, but do not offer specific benefits in any one area. They’re likely to be satisfactory for a vast array of drivers. All-season tires are typically offered in touring and pas-senger types. Touring will provide lower road noise and better handing, while passenger varieties offer a smooth ride and longevity.

Summer TiresSummer tires are designed to offer

traction and maneuverability in warm weather. Orbital grooves and complex treads maximize traction in hot, humid weather. If you live in an area where the

temperature is consistently steamy, summer tires may be a good investment.

Winter TiresA safety precaution for many people

who live where conditions often include snow, ice and cold weather, winter tires can be lifesavers. These tires are de-signed using several different types of rubber, and feature tread designs that maximize traction during inclement conditions. Winter tires also come in various subcategories. Studdable winter tires provide the extra security of added studs to enhance traction on ice. Perfor-mance winter tires offer better dry road handling, but traction on snow and ice may be compromised.

Performance TiresPerformance tires offer a sports car

feel. These are meant for drivers who want to feel the road and increase low-speed traction. The higher the level of performance, the increased level of han-dling and stability at high speeds.

Truck TiresTrucks, pickups and SUVs also have a

variety of tire types. There are off-road varieties, which will offer an aggressive tread design for off-road traction and other obstacles. Light truck tires help provide durability and traction. Special-ly designed SUV tires may be large, but can still offer comfort-focused applica-tions designed for on-road driving.

Drivers looking for better perfor-mance from their tires should speak with a tire retailer about the options available to them.

FALL CAR CARE 2016

Did You Know? Various factors guide a person’s decision when buy-

ing a vehicle. What one person finds attractive may not appeal to another buyer. One buying trend that has emerged among American car buyers is their preference for a certain body type. According to analysis of new vehicle retail registrations by IHS Automotive in 2014, SUVs and crossovers accounted for 36.5 percent of the new vehicle market, versus 35.4 percent for sedans. Con-sumers are increasingly drawn to attributes like higher ground clearance, more interior space, stronger towing capacity, and higher seat positions. Sedans still draw attention, but they’re losing ground to larger vehicles, resulting in a major shift in the automotive market. The study also found that pickup trucks and hatchbacks have lost more share in the past few years than any oth-er vehicle categories.

Do not stop washing your car just because the weather is cold. Slushy, wet roads and snow-melting salts can speed up the formation of rust or other decay on the undercarriage of the vehicle. These materials will need to be periodically cleaned off. Flush the underside of the vehicle whenever possible, taking advantage of any dry, slightly warmer days.

Tire pressureAccording to the automotive retailer Pep Boys, vehicle tires lose a pound of air pressure

for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Many modern cars will alert to changes in air pres-sure, and drivers should be diligent in maintaining the proper tire pressure. Fuel economy as well as handling ability can decline when tires are not inflated properly. Tires can be refilled at many gas stations for little cost.

WipersVisibility is key in hazardous weather conditions, and keeping the windshield clean is a

priority. This means ensuring there is enough windshield wiper fluid in the car and that it is a product that will not freeze.

Wiper blades can freeze and crack in the winter. Older blades may be more susceptible to damage. It’s a worthy investment to replace existing wiper blades at the start of each winter. When vehicles are parked, pull the wipers off of the windshield to safeguard them from stick-ing and cracking.

Cold weather requires drivers to amp up their vehicle maintenance routines. Consult with a mechanic or automotive retailer for more ideas and products that can help your vehicles operate safely and efficiently this winter.

Prepare Vehicles for Harsh WeatherAs the seasons change, motorists must take steps to safeguard their vehicles, especially

when the season changes from fall to winter. Each winter, many vehicles are subjected to sub-zero temperatures, snowfall and icy roads, and such conditions can take their toll on vehicles over time. Taking steps to prepare vehicles for winter weather is a vital step that can make cars and trucks safer for drivers and their passengers.

BatteryOld batteries should be replaced before winter begins. Without a strong, properly func-

tioning battery, engines cannot turn over. Most batteries last between three and five years. However, extreme cold can compromise batteries, especially those that have been around awhile. Batteries are made up of acid and water, and cold temperatures can freeze the water, thereby affecting battery performance. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 32 F, the average battery loses 35 percent of its strength.

Newer batteries can be protected by starting the vehicle each day to warm up and recharge the battery. Let the car run for at least 10 minutes if you cannot take an extended drive.

Exterior maintenanceKeeping a car waxed and sealed can help maintain a durable exterior finish. This includes

not only the paint, but the rubber and vinyl parts of the car’s exterior.Winter is a good time to switch to a heavy-duty synthetic wax that can shield against water

and road salts. High-quality sealants can be used on bumpers, trim and rubber door seals as added protection. Speak with an automotive retailer or even the car dealership if you are unsure which products will make your car’s parts most durable for winter weather.

Choose the Right Tire for yourVehicle and Season

Indicators It’s Time to Change Air Filters

Vehicle maintenance can protect drivers’ investments and help their automobiles run efficiently. One area drivers should pay particular attention to is their vehicles’ air filters. When operating at optimal capacity, an air filter improves fuel efficiency while ensuring vehicles ac-celerate smoothly without taxing the engine. But when air filters are clogged, fuel ef-ficiency is reduced and emis-sions are increased, a 1-2 punch that costs motorists money and hurts the planet at the same time. Drivers can check their owners’ manuals to determine the recom-mended intervals to replace air filters, but the following are a handful of indicators that suggest it’s time to change them.

just purchased your vehicle, you likely know how many miles you can drive on a full tank of gas. If that gas mile-age is suddenly slipping and you find yourself visiting the filling station more frequent-ly, then it might be time to replace your air filter.

may be alerted to engine issues when the “Check engine” lights up on the ve-hicle’s dashboard. This light may come on to indicate a problem with the air filter, as

clogged air filters reduce air flow to the engine, resulting in an imbalanced air-fuel mix-ture that adversely affects the engine.

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don’t start up as smoothly as they once did, and drivers may also notice vehicles are not idling smoothly. These symptoms may indicate misfiring spark plugs that are being polluted (and made less effective) by a dirty air filter that is reducing the flow of air to the engine.

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operating at peak capacity accelerate quickly. But dirty, worn out air filters adversely affect acceleration. Drivers who notice that their cars are struggling to accelerate when stoplights turn green or on highways may need to replace their vehicles’ air filters.

the biggest indicator that an air filter needs to be replaced is the filter itself. If you can-not find the air filter on your own, consult your vehicle owner’s manual to determine where it is. Once you find the air filter, examine it in broad daylight. Clean air filters are white, so if the filter has darkened, it may need to be replaced.

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PAGE 10 PRESS & DAKOTAN MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016