Get a Preview of Ford's Plans for the Upcoming Detroit Auto Show!

Get a preview of Ford's plans at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show!

At the same time Ford revealed the specs on the Electric Focus they showed us the 2013 C-Max that will be built at the same plant just outside of Dearborn. It will be introduced to the U.S. market as only a Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. The two models will be badged Hybrid and Energi (the Plug-in model).

Driving the C-max are the front wheels via a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and hybrid drive system. The combined output is expected to be about 185 horsepower. The entire drive package is an evolution of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and likely to be shared with the next generation of Fusion. It contains an as yet unspecified lithium-ion battery pack. The Energi will carry about 300 lb. more battery and be capable of traveling in pure electric mode for a reasonable distance at a reasonable speed. Don’t ask us what these are; we don’t know yet.

Following in the lines of the Fusion, the C-Max will use SmartGauges whose digital display provides what some may see as excess information. For instance, there’s now a driving-coach feature that claims to help you be more efficient behind the wheel. Of course, there is the plethora of electronic wizardry that talks to your smart phone and lets you monitor the car’s charge progress. To me, one of the coolest features is the automated rear hatch that opens when you wave a foot under the rear bumper. No more fumbling with arms full; just give it a kick.

Ford hasn’t said when these models will be on sale, but it’ll be late this year at best. Expect them to be the least expensive hybrids in Ford’s lineup and competitive with Toyota’s Prius v.

Read more: http://www.roadandtrack.com/auto-shows/detroit/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-and-energi

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Laurel Auto Group!

Enter to win tickets to the North American International Auto Show in January to see the reveal of the 2013 Dodge Dart!

Go here  to enter to win a trip to the North American International Auto Show to see the reveal of the Dodge Dart!

Dodge.com describes the new model as:

Dodge Dart Blends Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge's Passion for Performance Resulting in a Groundbreaking Car with the Ultimate Blend of Power, Fuel Economy, Handling and Style

• The Dodge brand is back in the U.S. compact sedan segment – in a big way – as the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will make its world debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan on Jan. 9, 2012
• Built on a world-class architecture, Dodge Dart offers three technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and powerful engines including the 1.4L MultiAir® Turbo
• The Dart will come with three engine choices: 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder options and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four.
• The Dart will be built in a Belvidere, Ill., plant

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Great tips especially in Western PA!

 

There's no getting around winter. Instead of dreading it, prepare for it. The changing of the seasons is a great time to check out what your car needs to gear up for cold, wet, winter driving conditions. Do this before the first flake falls because small problems you ignored during warmer months could grow worse, leaving you stranded when the temperature plummets. A few simple tips could keep your car running all winter long.

• Take your car to a mechanic and check out the following: battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes, and defroster.
• Check to make sure your tires have adequate tread. If the treads are worn, replace them. Better yet, exchange them for a set of snow tires such as Bridgestone Blizzaks, which have treads that provide better traction and are equipped to handle extreme winter driving conditions.
• Make a visual inspection of your vehicle's lights. Make sure the front and rear lights are operational, especially the car's flashing hazard lights.
• Often in the winter, the windshield wiper fluid may freeze. Instead of toughing it out until spring, exchange the fluid with one made especially to spray in freezing conditions.
• Similarly, purchase winter wiper blades to cut through snow and ice instead of using regular ones throughout the year.
• Check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system. Sometimes, they get blocked by wax or debris. Use a needle or pin to clear blocked nozzles.
• Road salt commonly used during winter can damage your car's paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help, but a good wash and coat of fresh wax will go a long way in preventing corrosion and keep your vehicle looking like new.

Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter1.htm

Introducing the Toyota Dealer Match Program!

The Toyota Dealer Match Program provides a dollar for dollar match of dealer charitable contributions of up to $10,000 to approved nonprofit organizations. Ultimately, the matching funds from Toyota Motor Sales USA enable dealers to have greater impact on the communities in which they do business. 2011 marks the first year of the program. But rather than support just one organization, Laurel selected four deserving recipients.

“By supporting four organizations with different missions, Laurel Toyota can reach a much broader group of people who need help,” explained Matt Smith, Vice President, Laurel Auto Group. “Whether it is bringing together children and parents for special programs, feeding the homeless, helping to protect victims of abuse, or engaging children with the support they need to succeed in school, these are all organizations that we have worked with in the past, and they do a tremendous job.”

Laurel Toyota will present a $2,500 check to each of the following organizations in the Johnstown area: Beginnings, Inc., The Learning Lamp, Salvation Army and the Women’s Help Center. These donations will then be matched by Toyota Motor Sales USA for a total contribution of $5,000 per organization. Since 1991, Toyota USA has contributed more than $500 million to nonprofit organizations nationwide. To learn more, please visit http://www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy/. For information about Laurel Toyota and local recipients of the 2011 Toyota Dealer Match Program, call (814) 269-3400.

Toyotathon at Laurel Toyota Scion!

Toyotathon is going on now through January at Laurel Toyota Scion. Give us a call at 814-269-3400 to schedule your test drive today!

How Road Rage Works

Ever wondered about the psychology behind road rage? Read on to find out more!

So what do you think of when you hear the term "road rage"? It's one of those catch phrases everyone has heard, and yet there is no common definition we can all use. Often, people use terms like "road rage" and "aggressive driving" interchangeably.

And while some might say that aggressive driving includes everything from cutting someone off on purpose to tailgating to making obscene gestures andcursing at other drivers, others might claim road rage refers only to incidents where violence erupts between drivers and passengers -- in or around cars. (There are just as many who might reverse those two definitions.) One thing is certain -- road rage is a dangerous phenomenon that can happen to any one of us, either as a perpetrator or a victim.­

Driving a car is stressful -- it's inherently dangerous because even if you're the safest driver in the world, there are a lot different variables that you can't predict, like weather, traffic, accidents, and road work. And what about all those other people on the road? Some of them aren't just bad drivers, they're engaging in risky behavior. Some of them even do things specifically to make you angry or prevent you from getting to where you need to go.

That's the thought progression someone might have just before switching into road-rage mode, leading a driver to make irrational decisions very quickly. All of a sudden, you might be thinking: They need to know that what they're doing is dangerous and stupid, and you should show them. In fact, you should punish them.

There's no denying that driving can be a risky and emotional experience. For many of us, our cars are an extension of our personality, and it might be the most expensive possession we own. When we drive, we're aware that there's potential for injury and property damage. Driving might be an expression of freedom for some, but it's also an activity that tends to increase our stress levels, even if we're not aware of it at the time. Driving is also a communal activity. You might think of driving in terms of your own individual experience. But once you pull into traffic, you've joined a community of other drivers, all of whom have their own goals, fears and driving skills. Psychologists Dr. Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl say that one factor in road rage is our tendency to concentrate on ourselves while dismissing the communal aspect of driving. It's very easy to perceive another driver's actions in terms of how it affects us, which in turn makes it easy to transition into anger [source: James, Nahl]. Once an expert witness to Congress on traffic psychology, Dr. James, known as "Dr. Driving," believes that the core cause of road rage isn't due to traffic jams or more drivers on the road -- but how our culture views aggressive driving [source: Dr. Driving.org].

In our culture, children learn that the normal rules regarding behavior and civility don't apply when driving a car. They may see their parents engage in competitive-driving behaviors, maneuvering the car with multiple lane changes or traveling at high speeds in a rush to get to a destination. Some popular films and television shows portray aggressive driving as a positive, or at the very least, an exciting activity. To complicate matters, for years pop psychologists suggested that the best way to relieve anger and stress was to vent your frustration, essentially giving into and feeding your negative emotions. However, psychological studies show that venting doesn't help relieve anger at all. In a road rage situation, venting can help escalate an incident into a violent encounter. Americans also tend to view a person who backs away from confrontation as a coward, creating a sense of pressure on a driver to not give up any ground even when no one is judging him. With that in mind, it's no surprise that violent encounters happen occasionally. Almost everyone is predisposed to engaging in irrational behavior while driving -- Dr. James even goes so far as to say that most people are emotionally impaired when they drive [source: James]. The key, psychologists say, is being aware of your emotional state and making the right choices, even when you are tempted to act out emotionally.

Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/road-rage1.htm

Rules Of Defensive Driving

If you would like to prevent a car accident, read these tips!

In this collection, "70 Rules of Defensive Driving," by RoadTrip America's contributing expert Robert Schaller,  he shares wisdom gained from nearly fifteen years of teaching defensive driving and traffic law in his home state of Arizona.

1. Pay Attention                                                                                                                                                               
2. Don't Trust NOBODY!        

3. Yield Anyway!
4. Don't Speed!

5. Don't Drive Impaired
6. Wear Your Seat Belt!

7. Buy and Use Safety Devices
8. Motorcyclist, Protect Thyself!

9. Don't Run Red!
10. Drive Precisely

11. Chill Out!
12. Look Down the Road!

13. Create Space
14. Drive to Communicate

15. Drive Predictably
16. Always Signal Your Intentions

17. Know Your Blind Spots!
18. Avoid Distractions

19. Avoid Backing Up
20. Beware of Intersections

21. Be A Freeway Pro
22. Know How To Stop

23. Know When To Use Your Headlights
24. Slow Down in Rain or Snow

25. Maintain Your Tires
26. Take Care of Your Vehicle

27. Get Rid of Tailgaters
28. Maintain an Even, Measured Pace

29. Check for Hydroplaning
30. Know How To Recover From A Skid

31. Avoid Head-On Collisions
32. Be A Safe Passer

33. Avoid the Single-Vehicle Collision
34. Deal with Light Glare

35. Never Play Chicken With a Train
36. Beware of Stopped or Slow-Moving Vehicles

37. Practice Animal Avoidance!
38. Don't Prevent Others from Passing

39. Drive Your Van Safely
40. Practice Smart Bicycling

Read more: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/content.php?9-Defensive-Driving-Tips-Drive-Safe-With-Uncle-Bob&s=a236f4732dda39d65691c38e196d7166

Phineas and Ferb Scavenger Hunt at the Galleria!

A Phineas and Ferb Scavenger Hunt will take place on Saturday, November 5th from 12pm to 1:30 pm at the Galleria.

The Galleria is teaming up with Hot 92/Hot 100 and Disney's Phineas and Ferb for a Special Scavenger Hunt throughout the Galleria! Children of all ages are invited to come to The Galleria to participate in the Scavenger Hunt at participating stores.  Prizes:  Drawing of 3 Grand Prize Packages (4 VIP tickets/Meet and Greet with actors and dance onstage with Dr. Doofenschmirtz.  Up to 100 kids will receive consolation prizes from the show.

For more information please visit: http://www.johnstowngalleria-pa.com/events.php

Safe Trick or Treating at the Galleria Tonight!

Tonight is Safe Trick or Treating from 6pm to 8pm at the Galleria. Have fun!

5 Great Excuses for Buying a Truck

NEED TO CONVINCE YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER OF THE OBVIOUS BENEFITS OF OWNING A TRUCK? LOOK NO FURTHER.

Sure, you want one, but does she? Here are talking points for that kitchen-table debate.


We feel your pain. You want a manly pickup truck, one with some room inside and beans — big ones — under the hood. But there's a problem. You live in the suburbs and work in an office, and you never really get your hands dirty, except during occasional yardwork or projects around the house. You don't have any horses to feed or pallets of cement to haul. Consequently, your wife thinks you're crazy. She thinks you need to grow up and leave behind your sandbox fascination with shiny trucks that go vroom. Naturally, you disagree. Your intuition says there's plenty of time to grow up later, and you want a truck now.


That means you'll need some good reasons to justify parking that pickup truck in your driveway. Here are five that'll get you started and that she just might buy.


1. “We can do more things with the kids.”


Any parent can tell you that kids mean stuff, and lots of it. Tote the kids anywhere and you have to haul seemingly half that stuff with you. Nothing moves stuff easier than a pickup. Sure, the old minivan is more secure and weather-tight, and it provides easier access. But bolt a camper shell or tonneau on a pickup and it'll haul an entire Toys R Us to the park, beach or grandma's. This is an especially powerful argument when the kids are a little older and have larger toys, such as bicycles.


2. “It’ll make home improvements a whole lot easier.”


Now here's an appeal she can't resist. With a pickup truck, your home-improvement capabilities improve exponentially. Never mind that the local big-box store has delivery options. Necessities such as peat moss, drywall and silly-looking patio furniture are a natural fit for a pickup. Remember, you don't actually have to haul such stuff; it's the promise that counts. No woman can resist a man who is willing to tackle her "honey-do" list.


There's a meaningful downside to this argument, however. If you are the only one in your social circle with a pickup, you'll soon discover just how much junk your buddies and their wives want to schlep home, too.


3. “A truck is safer than a sedan.”


Even the wiliest spouse is helpless against the omnipotent safety argument, no matter how blatantly self-serving. Ignoring the fact that all modern vehicles are amazingly crash-worthy, the impressive size, heft and carrying capacity of, say, a Ford F-150 suggest that it will fare better in a fender-bender than a lighter, smaller Toyota Camry. It's a simple matter of physics, right? Jousts with another alpha male in another pickup or large SUV negate this logic. We recommend not mentioning the latter when pleading your argument.


4. “It’s equipped like a luxury car inside.”


This appeal might cost you a little extra to realize the truck of your dreams, but it can be an incentive for a spouse oriented more to aromatherapy and pedicures than to boondocking. Sure, the base trim on most pickups is a bland vinyl desert. But a dive into the oasis of the options list can up the ante quite a bit.


Some domestic pickups feature near-luxury interiors designed to please the most fastidious of decorators. Plus, a pickup's ample seating and generous legroom are a real boon to the large or lanky.


5. “We could tow the boat with it.”


It's our experience that kids and women love boats. We can't explain it, but they do. And a tow-ready pickup is the easiest way to get your small sloop, runabout or kayak to the water and back home safely. Plus, you can carry all sorts of gear in the bed — tubes, skis, picnic baskets, Jet Skis, etc. (Warning: Don't include fishing gear on that list, unless your spouse or the kids like to fish. That's a hobby, your hobby, and one that monopolizes your time.) Key to your pitch is that you must first have the boat — that is, unless she's been bugging you to get one. Then you can say, "We'll need a truck to tow it."


Even if you don't own a boat, a pickup will open a new world of recreational opportunities. Kids love outdoor adventures, moms love being with happy kids, and dad is happy when mom is happy.


Read more 
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/5-great-excuses-for-buying-a-truck

What's your favorite excuse to buy a truck?

How To Find Your Car Owner's Manual Online

Really neat article. Especially if your car is older and you no longer have the manual.

Although the promised "paperless society" may never come to pass, today's savvy consumers know the convenience of downloading large documents and foregoing the bulky paper version. Automakers realize this as well, and almost all of them have made the voluminous owner's manuals for their vehicles available on their Web sites' "Owner's" area. Most (though not all) online downloads are free, whereas buying the paper version costs anywhere from $10-$30 or more.

While owner's manuals don't make exciting reading, they are packed with valuable instructions, information and warnings that you've probably never read. Perhaps your manual is buried in a long-forgotten pile of papers. Maybe you've purchased a used car without the manual. Or maybe you want to read the details on a car before you actually buy it. Either way, we've made it easy for you to find a car owner's manual without any digging. And accessing a manual online — or storing it on your computer — means convenient answers when you're not in the car.

Follow the link to find your car’s manual today! http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-find-your-car-owners-manual-online.html

How can a speed bump harvest electricity?

Ever wanted to power your home with speed bumps? It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Read on for more!

“There was a time when debates surrounding speed bumps revolved around whether or not a community needed speed bumps to slow down drivers on a certain road. Safety was the key issue. Now, a new key issue is making its way into the discussion -- the question of whether or not speed bumps can actually harvest unused energy from a car.

Many energy discussions involving vehicles focus on how to reduce the fuel consumption or overall energy cost of operating that vehicle. Hybrid car technologies seem to focus on either reducing the amount of fuel a car uses or ways to create power (for the car) by implementing systems like regenerative braking. But using a vehicle to create power for an outside device hasn't received as much attention. So how might it work?

When a vehicle approaches a speed bump, most drivers press down on the brake pedal to slow the car down. The car's braking system expends energy that gets transferred to the brake pads and then into heat. It takes a lot of energy to slow or stop a car. In addition, the speed bump itself receives energy via the weight of the vehicle coming into contact with it.”

Read more at: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-consumption/speed-bump-harvest-electricity.htm

How are cars becoming more user-friendly?

Are we approaching an era of self-driving cars?

“Fred Flintstone had a car that he had to power with his own feet; by that standard, all of today's cars are pretty easy to use. But cars are becoming even more user-friendly -- so user-friendly, in fact, that they may not even require a user at all. That's because much of the new car technology involves taking over the role of the driver.

For instance, no longer does a driver need to mind the blind spots, as certain cars come with detection systems that will alert the operator to obstacles in other lanes. If a driver should start to drowse off and drift into another lane, the steering wheel will shake or a voice will alert the driver to what's happening. Gone are the days of manually changing the cruise control speed when the car in front of you slows down -- now, adaptive cruise control uses radar to track the speed of that car and adjust the speed on its own. And since cars with adaptive cruise control can sense just how much space separates them from other cars, they can go into panic mode when cars ahead start hitting their brakes.

But you needn't fear a world of self-driving cars just yet. According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive, drivers want features that improve safety, but they're not ready to turn over complete control of the road to a machine just yet [source: Adams]. In other words, while drivers may like alerts about a car in their blind spots, they want to be the ones that adjust their cars to account for it. And the same survey found that drivers are willing to keep their eyes on the road despite the goodies that new cars are offering; fancy features like WiFi or temperature-controlled cupholders are at the bottom of drivers' wish lists, perhaps indicating that drivers know they need to focus on driving, not on checking the latest sports scores online.

While today's drivers may be wary of cars that do too much for them, that doesn't mean they don't appreciate a little help and convenience. Keyless ignition systems save drivers the hassle of looking for their keys, new fuel tank caps that don't require a lot of turning can save time at the gas station, and self-repairing paint, which covers a scratch as soon as it occurs, eliminates the ordeal and expense of the body shop.”

Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/trends-innovations/cars-more-user-friendly.htm

Tips for Driving In Rain

Check out the following tips for driving in the rain from Smart Motorist.

• First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
• Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
• Maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.
• Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
• Don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
• Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.
• Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
• Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights you still should put them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.
• Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wipers.
• Avoid off-road driving: it's hard to judge the actual depth of puddles and you can easily become stuck, even in an SUV.
• Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night rainy roads become especially treacherous. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on your windscreen, can cause temporary loss of visibility while substantially increasing driver fatigue. In rainy conditions pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid.
• Never drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it; your car could be swept off the road.
• When driving through a puddle of uncertain depth, go slow. If it's deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can cause serious damage to a modern car's electrical system.
• Avoid splashing pedestrians.
• If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.

Slow down! This should be obvious but it also very important. People are so used to driving certain speeds on certain roads that sometimes they forget the need to slow down when inclement weather presents itself.

Before you go - Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls - steering, clutch, brake and accelerator - and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and liable to slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.

How are your tires? - Check your tires on a regular basis. Bald tires significantly reduce your traction on wet roadways, and offer little resistance to hydroplaning. When your tires run over water, the water is displaced and it needs somewhere to go quickly. The best place is between the treads of your tires. If your tires are bald, the water has no place to go and you end up riding on a layer of water, like a boat. (See Hydroplaning, below.)

Turn on your wipers - Replace your wipers regularly, at least once a year. Wiper blades in bad condition don't clear water from the windshield very well and distort your view. Older vehicles may need to have the whole wiper arm replaced. The arms bend over time and sometimes can't keep enough downward pressure to clear the windscreen, even with new blades installed. Wipers will often clear light rain from the windscreen with a few sweeps, then run on an almost-dry screen and leave smears of drying dirt. Don't be afraid to use the windscreen washers liberally: the fluid is cheap (99 cents a gallon) and the safety benefit is high. Carry extra during the winter.

Don't follow large trucks or buses closely. Splash and spray from these vehicles can obscure your vision, creating a potentially disastrous driving situation. Keep your distance, and your windshield wipers on, when other traffic is in front of you.

Read more: http://www.smartmotorist.com/driving-guideline/tips-for-driving-in-rain.html

Nissan Reality Show Airs Today On Speed TV!

Nissan and Sony have announced the premiere of GT Academy USA, a reality show that takes 16 Gran Turismo 5 gamers and gives them a chance to become a professional race car driver. The new five-part reality TV show will be aired on SPEED TV beginning September 20.

Can a video game develop the skills needed to become a professional racecar driver? Nissan and Sony think so, but it’s not an overnight transition. The show will profile 54,000 Gran Turismo 5 gamers who participated in a national tournament for a shot at becoming a motorsports professional.

Each phase of the GT Academy USA tournament will be featured in the reality show. Originally launched in Europe in 2009, GT Academy USA is being brought to the U.S. for the first time.

“GT Academy USA will create a life changing experience for gamers, celebrating the authenticity of Gran Turismo 5 for Sony PlayStation, and real life racing and performance, innovation for Nissan,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president of marketing for Nissan North America, Inc. “GT Academy USA is a mesh of gaming, branded entertainment, and social media, all designed to entertain, engage, and reward the audience across multiple platforms from gaming consoles to social networks and primetime.”

 

Read more and see the preview of the show: http://www.nissaninthenews.com/nissan-to-launch-reality-tv-show/#more-2048

Paint-Care Fact and Fiction

Do you think you can tell myth from reality when it comes to your vehicle’s care?  Check out these myths and facts from Motortrend and test your know how!

With so much misinformation out there surrounding car care, it's no wonder people get confused about what's truth and what's fiction. Paint care is definitely one area that can raise a lot of questions. To sort the myths from the reality, we talked to Mike Pennington, director of training for Meguiar's. Active with detailing professionals, show-car owners, and amateur enthusiasts, Pennington conducts regular paint-care classes and seminars and acts as technical consultant for many auto manufacturers and their dealerships-including BMW, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and DaimlerChrysler-as well as such automotive paint manufacturers as DuPont, PPG, and BASF. Here's his insight into the paint-care quagmire.

Myth: A wax made of 100-percent carnauba is superior to those using lesser amounts.

Reality: Carnauba wax has been a favorite among car enthusiasts for years, but don't believe that any wax is made of 100-percent carnauba. As the hardest natural wax known, carnauba is much too hard to apply directly to automotive paint. It comes in bricks that must be melted and added to a company's formulation. If a paint protectant advertises "pure carnauba," it means the part of the formula that is carnauba is pure, not that it's 100-percent carnauba. According to Pennington, today's synthetic polymer technology actually provides better protection than carnauba.

Myth: Avoid a silicone-based wax. If used, the vehicle can't be repainted.

Reality: It's true that silicones are a bane of the auto painter. For instance, if particles of silicone are on the sheetmetal when it's painted, they can keep the paint from adhering to the surface, causing defects known as fisheye. That's why some professional cleaners and polishes intended for shop use are formulated without silicone. However, once paint is on the car, silicone is no longer an issue. In fact, virtually every wax on the market uses some kind of silicone in its formula because it enhances the product's ease of application, gloss, and durability. If repainting is necessary, a body shop can easily take off the wax as part of its normal preparation.

Myth: You can assume that a finish that looks glossy is in good shape.

Reality: There are different degrees of glossiness, and a paint can dull so gradually you may not realize it's happening. For this reason, don't rely just on reflectivity to judge your paint's condition. Use your sense of touch, as well. Place your clean, dry hand flat against the paint and slowly rub it along the surface. Feel with both palm and fingertips. A well-maintained finish should feel smooth as glass. Any roughness could be due to oxidation, tree sap mist, or adhered grit, all of which degrade a paint's gloss to some degree.

Read all the myths and facts here:http://www.motortrend.com/womt/112_0004_paint_myths_and_reality/viewall.html#ixzz1Xq9mnl9H

Facebook 9/11 Memorial App

To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of September 11th, Facebook has created an application that allows you to dedicate your status to a victim of the terrorist attacks. This Facebook Memorial gives you the opportunity to honor and revere the 3,000 who died in the 9/11/01 attacks, along with the six who died in the World Trade Center bombing in 1993.

In collaboration with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, the app will work for those members of the social media marketing community who choose to donate their status to the cause. They will then have the option to dedicate their status to a specific victim of the attacks, or to have one given to them.

So if you are part of the 750 million member Facebook or the 100 million member Twitter community, choose to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this event and share it with others. Even if you don’t want to dedicate your Facebook status to the cause, join in the effort to reflect and honor the heroes of that day.

Many have already expressed their willingness to participate in this movement on the official 9/11 Memorial Facebook page, the place to get started.

Information courtesy of: http://www.leadgenix.com/blog/news/dedicate-facebook-status-to-911/

The Cambria County Fair Is Going On Until Saturday

Check out the schedule of events below. While you’re there don’t forget to enjoy rides, shows, livestock, food and more!

 

Thursday, Sept. 8^th

5:00pm: 4-H Livestock Sale
6:30pm: Local Celtic Band (TREE)in the AG Building

7:00 pm: 4 Cylinder Demolition Derby at the Grandstand

 

Friday, Sept. 9^th
11:00 am:  Youth Horse Performance Class (New this year!)

7:00 pm:  6 Cylinder Demolition Derby at the Grandstand

 

Saturday. Sept. 10^th

10:00 am: Horse Fun Show

2:00 pm:  8 Cylinder Demolition Derby at the Grandstand

 

For more information please visit: http://www.cambriacofair.com/

 

Is texting while driving really worse than drunk driving?

Is texting while driving really worse than drunk driving? That’s the question that  Christopher Neiger from “How Stuff Works” asked. Read more to find out his conclusion. 

Texting, or short message service(SMS), is a quick form of communication that allows users to send 160 characters or less to and from their cell phones and smartphones. A study by the Pew Research group in 2009 and 2010 reported that out of the number of Americans who have cell phones, 58 percent of adults and 66 percent of teens use them to text [source:Motavalli]. With these high percentages of Americans using text messaging every year, many are bringing the habit along with them when they drive. The same Pew study showed that 34 percent of teens who use their phone for texting said they've done it while driving, and 47 percent of adults who texted said they had done it while driving, too [source: Motavalli].

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that almost 6,000 fatalities and over half of a million injuries were due to accidents caused by drivers who were distracted [source: Motavalli]. The study wasn't focused on texting, but it does show the seriousness of driving while distracted. Like many other driving distractions, texting involves a certain amount of mental attention as well as physical application which may be why 28 states have banned drivers from texting while operating a vehicle [source: Motavalli].

But is there really proof that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving? Even though research is just now being done to measure the effects of texting while driving, some in the automotive industry and others in research circles say that texting is definitely more dangerous than drunk driving. Mainly because taking a driver's eyes off the road significantly cuts down on his or her ability to react to changes.

In 2009, Car and Driver conducted a driving test with their editor-in-chief and an intern to prove or disprove that texting while driving was more dangerous than drunk driving. The first step of their experiment was to test and measure the reaction times of both drivers while driving sober with no distractions, and then while reading and sending text messages on their cell phones. A light mounted to the front windshield simulated a car braking in front of them [source:Austin].

As they read and sent text messages, their response time was measured based on the time it took between when the brake light came on and when the driver applied the brakes at both 35 miles per hour (56.3 kilometers per hour) and at 70 miles per hour (112.7 kilometers per hour) [source: Chang]. Both drivers had a longer response time while reading and sending the text messages when compared to driving without any distractions. After the initial test, both drivers then consumed alcohol and reached the legal driving limit for intoxication in their state. After running the same test again while driving drunk, response times for both drivers were better when the driver was drunk, compared to when they were reading or sending text messages while sober. Car and Driver writers mentioned that the test was performed on a closed airport runway, with no road signs and no turns. Although this test was performed on a closed course, slow response times due to texting could result in serious consequences in real-world driving situations.

Another test conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory in London took it a step further. It found that drivers who texted had slower response times, were more likely to drift in and out of lanes and even drove worse than those who were driving while high on marijuana [source: Nugent]. The study found that reaction times for those who texted while driving were 35 percent worse than when they drove without any distractions at all. When driving while intoxicated, the reaction time was only 12 percent worse than when the driver was sober and driving without any texting distractions [source: Nugent]. The researchers also found that there was a significant decrease in ability to maintain a safe driving distance between vehicles while texting and steering control dropped by 91 percent compared to driving without distraction [source: Nugent]. One of the study's commissioners eventually concluded that texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things a driver could do while behind the wheel of a car.

Read the full article: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/texting-while-driving-worse-than-drunk-driving.htm

Labor Day Weekend!

Labor Day is this weekend! Are you planning a road trip? Remember to plan ahead for one of the busiest highway holidays:

Getting Your Car in Shape

The last thing you want on Labor Day is a car that breaks on the road. A routine check of the engine, radiator and fluids will go a long way. Tires should be well inflated and wiper fluid should be replenished. Also, check that the steering wheel and brakes work properly. A car emergency kit should include, at a minimum, jumper wires, a tire gauge, a flashlight, a tool kit with wrenches and screwdrivers, duct tape, rags and an emergency stop sign. Add a first-aid kit, a bottle of water, a blanket and some energy bars in case something happens and you're stranded for some time.

Staying Safe

There are two major reasons for accidents on highways: losing concentration while driving and ignoring the risk of big trucks. If you are tired, had a drink or feel sick, either give the wheel to somebody else or postpone the driving. This is especially important coming back home on Labor Day, as many spend the day drinking and having fun, and chances are people are tired and moody. Monitor yourself and learn your limits, so you can head to a rest stop if you start feeling dizzy, confused or sleepy. Big trucks are especially dangerous if you cut in front of them quickly and unexpectedly, as trucks cannot brake fast enough to avoid a collision if things get tight. Also, trucks drivers have lots of blind spots, where they are unable to see you and thus avoid you. As a general rule, if you can't see the truck's mirror, the driver can't see you either.

Avoiding the Madness

The most important thing you can do is leave early. Take on the highways early Saturday morning or before rush hour on Friday. If you're driving on Labor Day, follow the same rules. Most people will brave their return home in the early evening or late afternoon. Try getting to the highways before 4 p.m. or after 10 p.m. and you should be in much better shape. Another important thing you can do to prepare for Labor Day driving is to plan your route well. Look for alternate routes, program your GPS or use a map to get you where you need to go as fast and efficiently as possible. You also can check online to see if the road you're planning to take is undergoing repairs or has scheduled lane changes, so you can search for alternatives or plan for additional driving time.

Check out the full article here. Where will you be headed?

What cars have the lowest cost of ownership?

What cars have the lowest cost of ownership? Read on to find out!

There's more to the cost of owning a car than just paying the sticker price; in fact, the car with the lower sticker price might just turn out to be more expensive over the long haul. In other words, you might have the cash to buy a car, but not the income to afford to own it. That's the difference between price and total cost of ownership (TCO).

The total cost of ownership (over five years) includes six factors:

• Depreciation accounts for 46 percent of TCO (the average model depreciates 65 percent).
• Fuel costs mount up quickly -- especially for SUVs -- constituting 26 percent.
• Interest varies according to vehicle price, but in a typical case (a five-year loan, 15 percent down, 6.4 percent interest), it accounts for 12 percent of TCO.
• Insurance costs vary according to age, location, driving record, vehicle make and model but on average account for 11 percent.
• Maintenance and repair constitute 4 percent of TCO on average.
• Sales tax costs owners about as much as maintenance and repair, assuming the national average of 4.9 percent.

So which cars have the lowest cost of ownership? It's a complicated question and your circumstances may vary (especially if you include used cars in the mix), but here are some good candidates among 2010 vehicles. The list also indicates the award-winners in their categories for 2010:

Nissan Versa (also best compact car), Toyota Yaris (also best subcompact car), Hyundai Accent, Honda Civic, Scion xD (also best compact wagon), Honda Fit, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius
(also best mid-sized car), Nissan Cube, Chevrolet Aveo5

Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/cost-of-car-ownership/what-cars-have-lowest-cost-of-ownership.htm

GM’s Humanoid Robot At The International Space Station

Last week, GM’s humanoid robot, Robonaut 2 (R2), was brought to life aboard the International Space Station.

R2 was jointly developed by scientists and engineers from General Motors and NASA. GM was eager to see how this robot would make GM’s plants around the world safer. R2’s hands feature extraordinary dexterity and sensitivity, making it suitable for performing a number of manufacturing-related tasks.

NASA’s use of R2 has helpful GM test it in the real-world. Both teams will share what they’ve learned from R2 to make it even more useful in the future. So far, R2 is performing well in space, and should be a helpful addition to the crew of the International Space Station.

“Everything came alive,” said Nic Radford, Robonaut deputy project manager. “We started getting video out of Robonaut’s eyes. Everything worked exactly as we expected it to. It was a very, very exciting time.”

To read more and see the video visit: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/gms-humanoid-robot-comes-to-life-in-outer-space/#more-1929

Rules Of Defensive Driving

If you would like to prevent a car accident, read these tips!

In this collection, "70 Rules of Defensive Driving," by RoadTrip America's contributing expert Robert Schaller,  he shares wisdom gained from nearly fifteen years of teaching defensive driving and traffic law in his home state of Arizona.

1. Pay Attention                                                                                                                                                               
2. Don't Trust NOBODY!        

3. Yield Anyway!
4. Don't Speed!

5. Don't Drive Impaired
6. Wear Your Seat Belt!

7. Buy and Use Safety Devices
8. Motorcyclist, Protect Thyself!

9. Don't Run Red!
10. Drive Precisely

11. Chill Out!
12. Look Down the Road!

13. Create Space
14. Drive to Communicate

15. Drive Predictably
16. Always Signal Your Intentions

17. Know Your Blind Spots!
18. Avoid Distractions

19. Avoid Backing Up
20. Beware of Intersections

21. Be A Freeway Pro
22. Know How To Stop

23. Know When To Use Your Headlights
24. Slow Down in Rain or Snow

25. Maintain Your Tires
26. Take Care of Your Vehicle

27. Get Rid of Tailgaters
28. Maintain an Even, Measured Pace

29. Check for Hydroplaning
30. Know How To Recover From A Skid

31. Avoid Head-On Collisions
32. Be A Safe Passer

33. Avoid the Single-Vehicle Collision
34. Deal with Light Glare

35. Never Play Chicken With a Train
36. Beware of Stopped or Slow-Moving Vehicles

37. Practice Animal Avoidance!
38. Don't Prevent Others from Passing

39. Drive Your Van Safely
40. Practice Smart Bicycling

Read more: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/content.php?9-Defensive-Driving-Tips-Drive-Safe-With-Uncle-Bob&s=a236f4732dda39d65691c38e196d7166

Hyundai Hope On Wheels

 

A wonderful program beginning in September. Read below for more details:

Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a partnership of Hyundai dealers across the U.S. and Hyundai Motor America, today announced a new nationwide initiative to raise funds to fight childhood cancer. Hyundai dealers have pledged to donate a total of $3 million dollars to Hope on Wheels based on vehicles sold during the month of September (National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month). This will be matched by a $3 million contribution from Hyundai Motor America so that through this effort, Hyundai will donate a minimum of $6 million in the month of September to children's hospitals and other non-profit organizations across the country in the form of "Hyundai Hope Grants." These Hope Grants will fund childhood cancer research projects as well as survivorship programs and other resources designed to improve quality of life for children with cancer.

Hyundai and its dealers are expanding their historic commitment to battling childhood cancer with the "Hyundai Gives Hope on Wheels" September program. By the end of the year, through this new initiative and existing fundraising programs, Hope on Wheels will have awarded more than $22 million dollars to support the fight against childhood cancer since it became involved with this cause more than a decade ago.

"Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to fighting childhood cancer since 1998. After visiting children's hospitals across the country and meeting thousands of extraordinary children affected by childhood cancer, we wanted to share their stories with our communities and customers," said John Krafcik, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "This September, our goal is to raise more awareness of this issue than we ever have before to support the fight against this dreaded disease with the hope of seeing more children go on to live long, happy lives, free of cancer."

Even though there have been many advances in therapies and treatment, cancer still remains the leading cause of death by disease in children in the U.S. While 85 percent of most childhood cancers are being cured today, three out of five children will suffer long-term health effects from treatment that will remain with them throughout their lives.

"As we've met numerous children, families, doctors and support teams that help kids fight cancer over the years, we've become more and more aware of how many different resources are needed to assist kids and families through cancer - from diagnosis through treatment and beyond," said Mike Kelly, Dealer Board Member, Hyundai Hope on Wheels Foundation and dealer owner of Mike Kelly Hyundai, Butler, PA. "Cutting edge medical research and educational, psychological and emotional support services are all crucial parts of cancer treatment for children and families, and Hyundai's new September initiative will support the people and organizations that are working directly with children and families fighting cancer."

During the month of September, Hope on Wheels will visit about sixty organizations across the country to distribute Hyundai Hope Grants in an amount of $100,000 each. These funds are designed to underwrite direct research projects and support meaningful initiatives undertaken by doctors, nurses, social workers, child life specialists and other professionals who work with children with cancer.

For more information on Hyundai Hope on Wheels, visit www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

Ford, Toyota to Collaborate on Developing New Hybrid System for Light Trucks and SUVs.

Good news for Ford and Toyota customers interested in hybrids. It was announced today that they are teaming up to make a “new, advanced hybrid for light trucks and SUVs”! Read below for more details:

Ford and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year.

“This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well.”
Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, Research & Development, said: “In 1997, we launched the first-generation Prius, the world’s first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid. Since then, we have sold about 3.3 million hybrid vehicles. We expect to create exciting technologies that benefit society with Ford – and we can do so through the experience the two companies have in hybrid technology.”

Under the MOU agreement, the two companies will bring the best of their independently developed hybrid powertrain technology and knowledge to a new co-developed hybrid system, which will be used in rear-wheel-drive light trucks arriving later this decade. Specifically, Ford and Toyota will:
•Jointly develop as equal partners a new rear-wheel drive hybrid system and component technology for light trucks and SUVs
•Independently integrate the new hybrid system in their future vehicles separately

“By working together, we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability.”
Toyota President Akio Toyoda added: “Toyota is extremely proud to join Ford in developing a hybrid system for pickup trucks and SUVs. Not only is this tie-up clearly one aimed at making automobiles ever better, it should also become an important building block for future mobility in the U.S. By building a global, long-term relationship with Ford, our desire is to be able to continue to provide people in America automobiles that exceed their expectations.”

Read more: http://corporate.ford.com/news-center/news/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-ford-toyota-to-collaborate-on-35100

Tips On How To Properly Wash and Wax Your Car

Check out the tips below on how to properly wash and wax your car.

More than one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products when washing their cars-products that could contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives. And almost half of motorists don't ever wax their vehicles.

"Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection, yet surveys show that 48 percent of motorists don't wax their vehicles at all," said Jeffrey Webb, director of retail marketing at Turtle Wax, Inc.

Motorists should avoid dish detergent, which contains harsh chemicals that, intended to cut through grease, will strip away the wax finish on your car. Some are hard to rinse off and leave streaks. For best results, a formulated automotive wash is recommended, one that gently lifts the dirt and grime while protecting the finish.

Washing an automobile on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that harm the finish. The Car Care Council recommends the following dos and don'ts when it comes to a do-it-yourself car wash:

• Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
• Do fill your bucket with warm water.
• Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
• Do spray the car often with water.
• Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
• Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
• Don't neglect waxing the vehicle. Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.

"The myth of not having to wax your car because you have a clear-coat finish is just that, a myth," Webb said. "Clear-coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution."

Hot Weather Tips For Your Car

Check out these hot weather tips for your car.

The prolonged hot weather we've been having is hard on vehicles, but a little preventive maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring that you don't wind up stranded on the side of the road withering in the heat while waiting for a tow truck.

Cars are complicated beasts and, of course, anything can go wrong at any time. But experts say there are four main problem areas that crop up as the mercury rises: batteries, tires, radiators and air conditioners.

"The extreme heat makes the acid and the fluid inside of them (car batteries) expand, which can cause them to start leaking," says Jim Kilgo, a supervisor at Austin's Groovy Automotive and Groovy Lube. "That causes battery failure in the long run."

Sarah Schimmer, AAA Texas public affairs representative, recommends that drivers keep in mind the age of their vehicles' batteries, especially in hot weather. "If it's older than 2 to 3 years, have it tested and consider having it changed out," she suggests.

Heat raises tire pressure, which is why manufacturers recommend checking their inflation before driving. And worn treads compound the effect. "As you drive during any month of the year, your tires' PSI (pounds per square inch) will raise from 5 to 8 pounds," Kilgo explains. "When it gets hot like this, it's going to raise even more. If you've got weak tires — worn tires — you've got a better chance of having a blowout."

Here's a bonus: Properly inflated tires in good condition (don't forget your spare) will improve your gas mileage.

If you see a car stranded on the shoulder and it's not up on a jack, chances are it has overheated. Your car is already working harder than normal in extreme heat, and low coolant levels can spell disaster for its engine. Belts stretch and hoses deteriorate with age; long periods of extreme heat can accelerate the process.

"A hose failure can cause an engine to blow almost before you can shut it down in this heat," Kilgo says.

"If you've got worn hoses that haven't been replaced in a while, you've got a better chance of a hose rupturing now than you do at any other time."

Read more: http://www.statesman.com/life/hot-weather-car-care-tips-1579503.html

11 car-care tips that save gas

Below are some car care tips that you may not have thought of in order to save gas.

11. Fill up with a lower-octane gasoline. Buy the lowest grade or octane of gasoline that is appropriate for your car. Unless your car requires premium gasoline, filling up your car with high-octane fuel is a waste of money. That pricey premium fuel won't boost your car's fuel economy or performance in the least, so skip it.

If you're not sure what grade of fuel works best for your car, open up your owner's manual and take a look. As long as your engine doesn't knock or ping when you fuel up with regular unleaded, you're good to drive on this much cheaper gas. Passing on pricey premium gasoline could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

10. Don't top off. Don't bother topping off when filling your car's gas tank. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out. Why waste your money paying for gas your car won't use? Stop pumping at the first indication that your tank is full when the automatic nozzle clicks off.

9. Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten up that gas cap each time you fuel up your car.

8. Go for the shade. The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from your gas tank.

"If you let your car bake in the sun there's going to be a greater amount of evaporative emissions that take place than if you park in the shade," says Jim Kliesch, research associate at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and vehicle analyst for GreenerCars.com.

So park your car in the shade of a building or tree whenever possible. And buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car.

7. Use your garage for your car. Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.

6. Pump up your tires. Don't get caught driving on underinflated tires. Underinflated tires wear down more quickly and they also lower your car's gas mileage.

"Tires that have low pressure offer more resistance so the engine is going to work harder to keep the car at 60," says Brian Moody, road test editor at Edmunds.com.

Your car's gas mileage may plummet by as much as 15 percent. Driving on underinflated tires may also reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent or more.

5. Check your tire pressure once a month. Buy a digital gauge and keep it in your glove box. Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual and on the placard in your car door. Then inflate your tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car's been idle overnight.

4. Keep your engine in tune. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You'll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.

3. Replace air filters. Keep a close eye on your engine's air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.

2. Use the right oil. You can improve your car's gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API performance label. This oil contains friction-reducing additives.

1. Don't skimp on maintenance. Be serious about auto care. Your car's performance depends on it.

"Always follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance," Moody says. "The car's designed to run a certain way. If you neglect it, it won't be as efficient."

Obey the car-care guidelines outlined in your owner's manual. For more auto-care guidelines check out this free maintenance schedule from the Car Care Council.