2014 fall home improvement & car care guide

8/11/2019 2014 Fall Home Improvement & Car Care Guide

1/12

"The Village Reporter"

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2 - THE VILLAGE REPORTER - 2014 FALL CAR CARE & HOME IMPROVEMENT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2014

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Autumn is a beautifultime of year marked by wel-

coming cooler temperaturesand the natural beauty of

leaves changing colors. Au-

tumn also has a tendencyto y by, as if the power-

ful weather of winter sim-

ply cannot wait to make itspresence felt.

With such a seemingly

short time between the end

of summer and the dawn ofwinter, homeowners know

they dont have too manyweekends in between to

prepare their homes for thepotentially harsh months

ahead. But such prepara-

tion, often referred to aswinterizing, can make

a home more comfortablewhen the mercury dips be-

low freezing, while saving

homeowners substantialamounts of money along

the way. Clean the gutters.

Leaves falling in fall can bea beautiful sight to behold

but many of those leaves

are likely nding their wayinto your gutters, where

they can lodge and causea host of problems down

the road. If the leaves andadditional debris, such as

twigs and dirt, that pile

up in your gutters are notcleared out before the rst

winter storm, the resultscan be costly and even cat-

astrophic.Winter rain and snowfall

needs a place to go upon

hitting your roof, and gut-ters facilitate the travel of

such precipitation fromyour roof into street-level

drainage systems. If guttersare backed up with leaves

and other debris, then ice

dams may form, forcing wa-ter to seep in through the

roof. That damage can becostly and can even cause

the roof to collapse inwardin areas with heavy snow-

fall. Clean gutters through-

out the fall, especially ifyour property has many

trees, and be sure to checkgutters one last time before

the arrival of winter. Tend to your attic. Ho-

meowners who have attics

in their homes might want

to add some extra insula-tion up there, especiallythose who recall feeling cold

inside their homes last win-

ter, which is often a telltalesign of improper insulation

in a home. A good rule of

thumb when determining ifyour attic needs more insu-

lation is to look for the ceil-ing joists. If you can see the

joists, then you need more

insulation. Address leaky windows

and doors. Sometimes atticinsulation is not the cul-

prit when it comes to a cold

home. Oftentimes, leakywindows and doors are the

real bad guys in a draftyhome. Fall is a great time to

inspect for leaky windowsand doors, as the wind out-

side can serve as your part-

ner. When the wind outsideis blowing, take a tour of

your homes windows anddoorways, standing next to

them to determine if thereany holes or leaks that are

letting outdoor air inside.

If you notice any leaks be-neath exterior doors, in-

stall some door sweeps tokeep outdoor air where it

belongs. Leaks around win-dows can be snuffed out

with caulk or weather strip-

ping.

Test the furnace. Ho-meowners typically do notdevote much thought to

their furnaces in spring,summer and fall. But with

winter on the horizon, fall is

the time to test the furnace

to make sure its ready forthe months ahead. Expect

a somewhat foul yet briefodor to appear when start-

ing the furnace. That odor

should dissipate shortly,but if it does not go away,

then your furnace is likelyin need of repair. But even

if the smell does not stick

around, you might want tohave the furnace cleaned

by a professional anyway.Such cleaning ensures the

furnace works efcientlythroughout the winter.

Clean the garage.

You might not mind park-ing in the driveway during

the warmer months of theyear, but why subject your

vehicles to harsh winterweather if you dont have

to? Clean the garage in the

fall so you have an indoorparking spot throughout

the winter season. Protect-ing your car from the ele-

ments can add years to itslife and also saves you the

trouble of digging your car

out of the snow.

Fall is a time of year forhomeowners to spend aweekend or two preparing

their homes for the oftenharsh weather that awaits

when winter arrives.

Winterize To Safeguard YourHome From Harsh Weather

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION ... Cleaning gutters in the

fall can prevent roof damage resulting from winter rainsand snowfall.

It is almost time to bid adieu to the

warm days of summer. Chilly afternoonsfollowed by continually dropping temper-

atures are on the horizon, and fall is theperfect time to service the home furnace

to ensure it is ready to withstand the de-

mands of winter.Furnace maintenance should be done

on a regular basis. The best time to do so isin late summer or early fall, when you still

have enough time to address any problemsbefore it gets too cold outside.

HVAC systems malfunctions are typi-cally caused by one of a handful of com-mon problems. Inspecting certain compo-

nents can help to guarantee a furnace isin working order when the rst cold days

arrive.

FILTER AND AIR INTAKES

After several months of running the air

conditioning, the lter on the heating andcooling system may need to be changed.

Check the condition of the lter to see if it

is heavily soiled. Furnace lters are rela-tively inexpensive. Since this thin barrier

will be responsible for cleaning the air youbreathe, it is important to keep a fresh l-

ter in the unit. A clogged, dirty lter will

reduce the efciency of the HVAC systemand may contribute to poor indoor air and

allergies.Check the air intakes around the house

for obstructions. Do not place furnituredirectly in front of intakes or venting that

delivers air to the home, as this can com-promise air ow and force the unit to workharder. Without adequate air ow through

the system, the furnace may not turn on.Many systems also have some sort of

external vent or exhaust pipe. Check thatthe area is free of leaves, debris and animal

nests. Again, any blockages can impede

the efciency of the unit or cause it to fail.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Inspect Your Furnace Before Winter Arrives


3/12

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2014 THE VILLAGE REPORTER - 2014 FALL CAR CARE & HOME IMPROVEMENT - 3

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THERMOSTAT

Very often a furnace may not turn over

because the thermostat is faulty. Many

a homeowner has spent money to have aservice person come out to examine thefurnace, only to learn they only need a new

thermostat or battery in the thermostat.Check the thermostat against a sepa-

rate thermometer to ensure that it is read-

ing the right temperature in the house.Raise the setting a few degrees to test if the

heat kicks on.

FUEL

Furnaces are powered by various en-

ergy sources. Electricity, gas, or oil may be

involved in the process. If fuel is not beingdelivered to the furnace, the pilot will not

light and warm the air to be blown throughthe house. Some systems have an emer-

gency shut-off switch that will halt fuel de-

livery to the unit. Its easy for these switch-es to be ipped accidentally if a furnace is

located in a high-trafc area. Make surethe switch is in the on position before re-

porting a problem.

In addition to these steps, you may

want to vacuum the vent screens aroundthe house. This will reduce the amount of

dust blown around. Also, if the furnaceexhausts into a ue, be sure that the ex-

haust route is clear so that carbon monox-ide does not back up into the home.

If anything seems out of place or mal-functions, consult with an HVAC profes-sional.

Inspect Your Furnace Before Winter Arrives

Home improvement proj-

ects can add value to a homeand do-it-yourselfers know

the sweat-equity that goesinto such projects can give

homeowners a greater senseof pride in their homes. But

no two home improvement

projects are the same, andhomeowners should know

that certain projects arebest tackled during certain

times of the year.

Fall is a great season towork on your house, as theweather is often at its most

agreeable once the summer

heat has gone and beforewinter weather arrives. The

following are a handful offall-friendly home improve-

ment projects for homeown-ers looking to improve their

homes.

ROOF REPAIR

Whether youre repairing

or replacing the roof, fall isa great time of year to dust

off the ladder and get somework done on your roof for

a variety of reasons. First

and foremost, fall is ideal

for roof work because youwont have to be up on theroof with the summer heat

bearing down on you. Thiscan make the project move

along more quickly, which

is especially benecial if youare paying laborers to work

on the roof. The fewer hoursworkers are xing your roof,

the less you will be paying

in labor costs.In addition, xing up the

roof in the fall ensures those

winter storms, be it rain orsnow, wont nd their way

into your home via leaks. Aleaky roof in winter is hard

to x, as the roof surfacecould be treacherous in the

winter and winter winds

can make it dangerous tobe up on the roof at all. Ad-

dressing leaks in the fall

can prevent damage to yourhomes interior, which canmount up if a leaky roof is

not addressed until the fol-

lowing spring.

WINDOW WORK

When the weather out-side gets frightful, poorly in-

sulated windows can allowcold air into the home. That

often has a trickle-down ef-

fect on nances, forcing youto turn up the thermostat

in an attempt to offset thecold air pouring into the

home. Whether you needyour windows replaced or

simply need to patch up any

leaks, a proactive approach

to leaky or older windows inthe fall can save you fromunnecessarily high heating

bills come the winter. Ad-dressing leaky windows also

makes a home more com-

fortable for its inhabitants.Fall is the ideal time to

address a homes windowsbecause the temperature

outside tends to be pleas-

ant. This means you likely

wont have to make muchof an effort to offset the el-

ements, and open windowsin the fall wont make your

homes interior very hot or

cold like they might if you

were to tackle the projectduring the summer or winter.

FIXING THE FLOORS

Wood ooring is a hotcommodity for many hom-

eowners. But not all oor-

ing can be added to a homeat any time of year. Thats

because certain types ofooring employ adhesives

that need temperatures in-

side the home to be within

a certain range, and thatrange is often within 70

to 80 F, which makes falla great time to install such

oors. Colder temperatures

can make it difcult for the

ooring to dry and bond,which will prove problem-atic down the road. Whats

more, many people enter-

tain friends and family comelate fall and into the holiday

season, and it can be dif-cult to do so if you are busy

installing new ooring.

PAINTING PROJECTS

Home Improvement Projects Perfect For Fall

FURNACE INSPECTION ... Many homeown-ers are fully capable of inspecting their fur-

naces to ensure they are ready for winter.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 ...

AUTUMN COLORS ... Fall is an ideal time of year to tacklehome painting projects.

Painting is another home

improvement project thatseems tailor-made for fall.

Paint can be pungent andthe aromas may last if its

applied at a time of yearwhen it cant dry while the

windows are wide open.

Painting at a time of yearlike the fall, when you can

keep the windows open dur-ing and after the project,

can help air the home out.

But interior painting isntthe only painting project ho-

meowners can tackle in thefall. Many exterior paints

are temperature-sensitiveand need the temperature

outside to be above 40o F.

Paint that freezes wont dryproperly, and homeowners

might be left with a costlyand unsightly mistake on

their hands. Fall tempera-tures tend to be amenable

to both interior and exterior

painting projects, just besure to check the weather

forecast before making yourrst brush stroke.

Clogged drains can bea nuisance. And if left un-

treated, that minor nui-sance can turn into an ex-

pensive repair.

A number of differentthings can cause drains to

clog. Food particles, hair,grease, soap residue, oil,

and even a foreign objectlodged in the drain can

each cause a drain to clog.

Before you have to call a

plumber, there are stepsto take that may get waterowing once more.

BUBBLES GALORE

Baking soda has many

uses in the home. This ver-

satile product can be useddislodge items in drains. It

is better to try baking sodawhen clogs are minor and

water drainage is sluggish rather than waiting for the clogto get so bad that water is impenetrable.

When baking soda and common household vinegar are

mixed together, they form a new chemical called carbonicacid. This acid immediately begins to degrade into carbon

dioxide gas, which produces foam and bubbles in the pro-cess. This bubbling action can upset the source of a clog

in a pipe and dislodge particles that may be causing thewater backup

Baking soda also can be mixed with salt and boilingwater to break down grease that may be clogging drains.Repeatedly washing this mixture down drains can gently

scour pipes and keep water moving steadily.

PLUNGE AHEAD

If a clog is especially stubborn, you may need to use aplunger. A plunger works by forcing the energy you push

on the plunger into the surrounding water, which then

applies pressure against the clog. Repeatedly forcing wa-ter against a clog can move it along until it frees up the

drain. Plunging can be messy, so wear old clothes whenplunging. Make sure the head of the plunger is lled with

water; otherwise, your work will be for naught. You maywant to keep a separate plunger handy for sink work so

you are not transferring bacteria and waste from a toilet

plunger into the sink, especially in the kitchen.

POP AND FIZZ

Colas are loaded with phosphoric acid, which is moreacidic than lemon juice and is also corrosive. This acid

will zz in the drain and break through any greasy, stub-

born residue. Its even effective at dissolving calcium de-posits, which may be a by-product of hard water.

SNAKE IT

Some clogs are more stubborn and require some extra

elbow grease to x. A pipe snake can push hair and otherdebris through the pipes until water can run free. They

also can be used to pull the obstacle back up out of the

drain. While there are snakes of various lengths, some-times a small one that makes it just to the bend of the

elbow trap can be sufcient. A snake is essentially a ex-ible piece of wire that is inserted in the pipe. It may have

a coarse or wound end to ensnare a clog.

CALL A PLUMBER

Unless you feel condent taking pipes apart to check

for and clear out clogs and then reassembling everything,you may need to call a plumber if the clog will not relent.

It may be lower in the system than at house level, espe-

cially if there are clogs in multiple sinks or appliances inthe home. Multiple clogged drains may be indicative of amore serious problem.

Tips For Unclogging Drains

KNOW THE FLOW ... Ho-meowners might be able

to address some clogged

drains on their own.


4/12


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Many things in a kitchen contrib-

ute to giving this popular room its

personality. Appliances and choice of

cabinets go a long way toward craft-

ing that look, but perhaps nothing

denes a kitchen more than a hom-

eowners choice of counter tops.

Counter tops are where the action

takes place in a kitchen. Its where

meals are prepared and where hun-

gry house guests or curious kids

watch the family chef whip up thenights meal. The options with regard

to counter top surfaces are numer-

ous, and the following are just a few of

the more popular options homeown-

ers planning to replace their existing

surfaces might want to consider.

LAMINATE

Laminate counter tops are popu-

lar and affordable. Made of sheeting

glued to plywood or particleboard

substrate, laminate counter tops are

water-resistant but not very heat-re-

sistant, so homeowners will want to

place any hots pans, pots or baking

sheets on trivets to maintain the lam-

inate. Many homeowners prefer lami-

nate counter tops because they are

available in so many colors, mean-

ing they can match any homeownerspreferences, no matter how colorful

those preferences are. Cutting on

laminate counter tops is not recom-

mended, but such surfaces are easy

to clean and maintain.

QUARTZ

Quartz is among the most durable

counter top surfaces available, as it

is resistant to bacteria, heat, stains,

and water. Though quartz is not avail-

able in as many shades as laminate,

it is similarly easy to clean. Also like

laminate counter tops, quartz surfac-

es tend to have easily visible seams,

which may irk homeowners who nd

such minor imperfections an eyesore.

Quartz counter tops can be expensive

depending on the amount of surfacearea a kitchen has, so budget-con-

scious homeowners with especially

large kitchens may nd quartz coun-

ter tops bust their budgets.

GRANITE

The natural beauty of granite is

what draws many homeowners to

install this popular surface mate-

rial in their kitchens. Thanks to their

unique shading and tone, granite

counter tops are never the same from

one home to the next, and granite

complements many different cabi-

net colors. Granite also is resistant

to heat, scarring and, when sealed

properly, stains. Granite is naturally

porous, so if it is not sealed properly,

it can harbor bacteria. Some gran-

ite counter tops must be sealed an-

nually, while some pretreated coun-

ter tops can go as long as 15 years

without a need for resealing. Unlike

other counter top surface materials,

granite, which is among the most ex-

pensive counter top materials, doesnot come in a vast array of colors, so

homeowners should expect to choose

from just 20 or so color options.

RECYCLED GLASS

Homeowners who want to give

their kitchens a modern and eco-

friendly feel may want to consider

recycled glass counter tops. Recycled

glass counter tops, the majority of

which are now produced with 80 to

90 percent post-consumer glass, are

made of pieces of glass that are held

together with cement binders. Some

might be concerned that counter tops

made of recycled glass are not very

strong, but the cement binders are

very hard, making the counter tops

durable, strong and unlikely to chip

or crack. Recycled glass counter tops

come in various colors and are resis-

tant to both heat and stains. Instal-

lation of recycled glass counter tops

can be tricky, as improper instal-

lation can lead to stress points thatmake the glass susceptible to crack-

ing. As a result, the installation of re-

cycled glass counter tops is best left

to professionals with experience on

such projects. Recycled glass counter

tops can be quite expensive as well.

A homeowners choice of counter

top surface material can go a long

way toward dening the personality

of his or her kitchen, so homeowners

should consider their options before

making a nal decision.

Budget-Friendly BathroomTransformation Tips

Counter Top Options Abound Today

MANY TO CHOOSE FROM ... Homeowners have many options when pickingout the right counter top for their space and budget.

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5/12


Home improvement

projects range from small

scale undertakings that

can be tackled in a single

weekend to large remod-

els that can take several

months to complete. While

no two projects are the

same, every home improve-

ment project demands that

homeowners dip into their

pockets and spend some

money.

Much like the scale of

projects varies greatly, so,

too, do the nancial com-

mitments required of ho-

meowners to make those

projects a reality. But no

matter the size of the proj-

ect, homeowners can nd

ways to stretch their bud-

gets without sacricing the

quality of their improve-

ments.

Do your homework.

Before you decide to make

changes to your home, its

best to rst do some re-

search into any potential

projects youre consider-ing. Many homeowners

have decided to dive into

a project before they fully

realize its scope and cost,

and going in blind can bust

a budget, turning what

might have seemed like a

relatively simple project

into a money pit.

Understanding just

what a project entails and

how much its likely to cost

can give homeowners an

idea of what they can af-

ford and where they might

be able to stretch their

budgets. For example, if

you want to replace your

kitchen countertops but

cant afford engineered

quartz countertops, you

might be able to nd a

less expensive alternative,

such as tile, that you like

just as much. But its best

to research such alterna-

tives before you decide to

replace your existing coun-

tertops. If you cant nd a

less expensive alternative,

you might want to post-

pone the project until you

can grow your budget. But

starting the project with-

out rst grasping its true

cost is a recipe for disaster,

so do your homework be-

fore you nd your toolbox

and start working.

Build unforeseen ex-

penses into your budget.

Another way to stay within

your budget is to include

budget-busting unforeseen

expenses into the budget

from the get-go. Whether

youre doing the project

yourself or paying a con-tractor, nearly every home

improvement project will

present some unforeseen,

and costly, hurdles. For

example, you might nd

mold inside the walls when

youre converting a base-

ment, and it can cost a

pretty penny to make that

mold go away. If you go

into the project expecting

such hurdles, then the -

nancial sting of addressing

them wont prove too great

a burden. But if the mold

catches you and your bud-

get completely off guard,

you might be forced tooverextend that budget or

make sacrices elsewhere

in order to complete the

project. Build some con-

tingency money, including

permit and permit fees,

into your home improve-

ment project to safeguard

against such unforeseen

issues.

Get to work. If youre

hiring a contractor, speak

to him or her before sign-

ing a contract to see if there

is anywhere you can pitch

in to keep the labor costs

low. You might be able to

pitch in during the demoli-tion phase, saving the cost

of paying your contractors

workers to tear down walls

or remove debris you can

just as easily remove your-

self. Another way to pitch

in is to do the end-of-day

cleanup yourself. Any role

you play with regard to la-

bor will likely need to be

negotiated upfront, but you

can save yourself a sub-

stantial amount of money

on labor if youre willing to

get your hands dirty.

Determine if piece-

meal is the most afford-

able option. Sometimes it

makes sense to tackle one

project at a time, while

other times you might

want to combine projects

to save on the cost of mate-rials. For instance, if your

ultimate goal is to install

wood ooring throughout

your home, determine if

it makes more nancial

sense to install the oor-

ing all at once rather than

doing one or two rooms at

a time. You might save by

buying all of your materials

at once rather than buying

a small amount of materi-

als several times over the

next several years.

Home improvement

projects often go a long

way toward making a home

more enjoyable for its own-ers and inhabitants. And

while such projects can be

costly, homeowners who

stay disciplined can still get

their dream homes without

busting their budgets.

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Insulation is one of the best investments a homeowner

can make, but too often people overlook insulation in favor

of more eye-catching renovations. Insulation is not some-

thing to be ignored, as it contributes to year-round comfort

in the home while reducing energy costs along the way.

According to the Energy Star program, you should add

more insulation if the existing insulation is just level with

or below the oor joists of your attic. If you cannot see

any of the oor joists because the insulation is well above

them, you probably have enough and adding more may not

be cost-effective. In addition, check to see if the insulation

is an even thickness across the entire attic. Sometimes it

can be thicker in the middle and then peter out toward the

eaves.

Attic insulation is measured according to its R-Value,

which measures the insulations ability to resist heat ow.

The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance

of the insulation. In many climates, the recommended level

for homes is R-38. If you prefer more insulation, increase

the R-Value.

Insulation is made from different materials, including

berglass, cellulose and rock wool. It comes in different

forms. Rolls and batts are some of the more commonly

used types of insulation. Loose-ll insulation is a loose

insulation with no backing that is usually blown into a

space. Rigid foam and foam-in-place insulation are addi-

tional types of insulation.

The type of insulation used depends on where the insu-

lation is needed and your budget. Certain materials are not

applicable for particular uses, and typically insulation that

provides a higher R-Value tends to be more expensive. Ex-amine the cost-effectiveness of the type of insulation being

considered before application. You also can mix and match

insulations depending on the application.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers these additional

tips with regard to insulation.

Consider factors such as your climate, home design

and budget when selecting insulation for your home.

Use higher R-Value insulation, such as spray foam, on

exterior walls and in cathedral ceilings to get more insula-

tion with less thickness.

Install attic air barriers, such as wind bafes, along

the entire attic eave to help ensure proper airow from the

soft to the attic. Ventilation helps with moisture control

and reduces summer cooling bills, but dont ventilate your

attic if you have insulation on the underside of the roof.

Ask a qualied contractor for recommendations.

Be careful how close you place insulation next to a

recessed light xture -- unless it is insulation contact (IC)

rated -- to avoid a re hazard. Follow the manufacturers installation instructions,

and wear the proper protective gear when installing insula-

tion.

In addition to making a home more comfortable, insula-

tion also can buffer noise, making the home more peaceful.

Insulation can reduce noises from outside the home as well

as absorb sounds from inside.

For insulation recommendations tailored to your home,

visit the DOE Zip Code Insulation Calculator at http://

http://web.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html.

Understanding Attic Insulation


6/12


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Think about what it might be like if youturned up the heat and then opened allof the windows in your home. All of thatwarm air would rush right out, and youwould be left with a cold home and a heftyheating bill.

A home that is full of drafts is inefcient

and expensive. And drafty homes are notjust a problem when the weather is cold,as air that seeps in when youre trying tokeep the home cool can be an inefcientnuisance as well. Higher energy bills andwasted resources do not have to be tol-erated if you simply scour your home fordrafts, sealing them to cut energy costsand make the home more comfortable.

Drafts are often small cracks aroundwindows and doors, but there are manyother places where drafts can form. Know-ing some of the less visible spots wheredrafts come from may help you to seal outunwanted cold air more effectively.

ATTIC

Homes that feature attics with pull-down stairs tend to be drafty. In suchhomes, a large hole is cut out of the ceil-

ing so residents can access the attic. Soinstead of thick insulation, these homesmay only have a sheet of plywood blocking

your interior space from the outdoors, asmany attics are directly vented to the roof.

To determine if there is a leak, turn on theattic light, close the attic door, and checkto see if you can see the light on from be-low. If you can, then there is a gap lettingboth the light and air escape. In additionto using exible rubber around the open-ing of the attic to better seal the door whenit is closed, you can think about adding athicker, more insulated door.

DRYER VENTS

The standard home laundry dryer ventsoutdoors via an exhaust duct. This ductis open to the outdoors, and it may be let-ting cold air into the home. Thats because

there is typically a imsy apper made ofsheet metal on the outside of the vent tohelp protect against air inltration. Butover time dryer lint can accumulate at thevent opening, causing the metal apper tostay open when it should close. Homeown-ers can invest in dryer seals that close thevent when the dryer is not in use. Not only

does this prevent cold air from enteringthe house, but also it keeps out pests, likebugs and rodents.

PIPES

Check pipes that exit the home, suchas those that feed outdoor water spig-ots, as such pipes can let cold air backinto the house. The same can be said forwaste pipes. Also, check to see if pipesthat connect to garages, basements andcrawl spaces are not insulated. Use seal-ant around these pipes to block drafts intothe home. Foam insulation can be sprayedinto small crevices, where it will expandand harden, blocking off air access. Thesedamp, cool spots are also great places forinsects to enter the home. Sealing draftsalso may prevent bugs from entering thehome.

FIREPLACES

Although replaces often make for dec-orative and appealing accents to a home,many are not effective sources of ambientheat. They may draw more warm air outof the ue than they bring into the house.When a replace is not in use, air can riseout of the chimney and a draft can be feltin the home. Some studies indicate that anopen damper on an unused replace, evenin a well-insulated home, can increaseoverall heating and cooling energy con-sumption by 30 percent.

If you simply must have a replace, re-member to always keep the damper shutwhen the replace is not in use and usea glass cover you can seal tightly to fur-ther block the opening to the replace from

your living space. Fireplace plugs, whichcan keep out drafts during the seasonwhen replaces are not in use, may also bea worthwhile investment.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

Outlets and light switches can be sig-nicant sources of drafts in a home. Checkto see that the switch plates are secure. Ifdrafts still come through, then employ out-let draft blockers to prevent cool air fromentering the home and warm air from exit-ing it.

Homeowners can address drafts in avariety of ways. And doing so can makea home more comfortable and cut energycosts considerably.

Homeowners whose homes have re-places understand that a little more main-tenance goes into autumn prep work fortheir homes than for those homeownerswithout replaces. Readying the replacefor another season of use requires someupkeep.

A clean replace and chimney is thebest defense against hazardous conditionsthat can cause a chimney or home re. Forthose who did not clean their chimneysin the spring after extensive winter use, it

is imperative to handle cleaning prior tolighting your rst re in the coming winter.Chimney cleaning can be a do-it-your-

self job. Rods and brushes can cost asmuch as $150, depending on where youlive. That is roughly equivalent to the costof hiring a professional chimney sweeponce. But if you have a fear of heights orprefer not to climb up on the roof to in-spect the chimney, you may just want tohire a professional.

When cleaning your chimney, rstplace plastic sheeting in the replace andaround the opening to the replace in-side the home. Then climb up on the roofand remove the chimney cap inspectingthe chimney for soot and creosote, whichtends to be thickest at the mouth of thechimney where it will cool and stick to theinside of the masonry. Use the correct sizebrush for your chimney to make adequatesurface contact to sweep out the debris.Go inside and clean up the residual mess,then reach up into the chimney from thereplace side and remove any other soot

before moving into the basement (or wher-ever the chimney reaches the bottom) to

remove any soot that has dropped fromthat area as well.Cleaning a chimney is a messy task

that will take some work, but it is a taskthat needs to be done to safeguard a homebefore the arrival of winter.

Home repairs are inevitable. For the ho-meowner who also happens to be handywith a hammer, the occasional home re-pair is nothing to fear and something thatmany even enjoy. But there many hom-eowners who arent so adept at home re-

pairs, and such men and women typicallyrely on trained professionals when some-thing goes awry around the house. Forthose homeowners who either dont havethe time or the ability to x issues thatarise around the house, the following is abreakdown of three of the more commonlycalled on home service providers.

ELECTRICIAN

An electrician specializes in addressinga buildings or homes electrical wiring is-sues, stationary machines and the equip-ment related to those machines. Electri-cians can x existing issues, but manyalso can design and install new electricalcomponents and systems. The dangers ofworking with electrical systems are many,so electricians typically must be certiedand licensed before they can practice their

trade. Such danger is one reason why eventhose who are adept at xing problemsaround the house might want to hire anelectrician should an electrical issue arise.

PLUMBER

A plumber is a professional whose areaof expertise is in installing and maintain-ing systems for drinking water, drainage

and sewage. Though not all jurisdictionsrequire a plumber be licensed before heor she can practice, many do, and it cantake years of training and experience tomaster the skill of plumbing. Many peoplecall a plumber when a toilet or sink backs

up, but plumbers must have far more ex-tensive skills as well. Plumbers must beskilled in a number of areas, includinghaving an ability to read and understanda homes blueprints, detect faults in aplumbing system if the homeowner cannotinstall and repair xtures and systems,and be aware of any legal requirements toensure a home is safe.

LANDSCAPER

Homeowners have increasingly lookedto professional landscapers to maintaintheir homes exterior and subsequentlyensure their property value remains high.A typical landscaper offers his client an ar-ray of services, from cutting the grass toraking leaves to more complicated tasksthat gravitate toward landscape archi-tecture. A homes curb appeal has been

shown to vastly improve a prospectivebuyers impression of the house, and as aresult many homeowners rely on a land-scaper to take care of their property. Manylandscapers an extensive knowledge of thescience involved in tending to a lawn andhow to help it weather the seasons withoutlosing its appeal.

These Professionals CanHelp Maintain Your Home

How To Rid Your Home Of Drafts

BLOCKING THE DRAFT ... Outlets and light switches can be signicant sources ofdrafts in a home. Stopping the drafts can help reduce the cost of heating and cooling.

Fall Chimney Cleaning Tips

FIREPLACES REQUIRE SOME UPKEEP ...A clean replace and chimney is the bestdefense against hazardous conditions thatcan cause a chimney or home re.


7/12


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Edon, OH 43518

Phone: 419-636-3173

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Pre-Engineered Farm

Custom Design

In this economy, homeowners are

watching every penny. Just because mon-ey is tight doesnt mean every renovation

plan has to be cast aside. Smaller projects

can revitalize a room without a big invest-ment.

Homeowners who dont have much tospend still dont want to compromise qual-

ity with smaller improvements. Therefore,

theyre often thinking of big appeal, albeiton a smaller scale.

To get started, homeowners shouldlook at the rooms they use the most and

begin there. Whats the point of starting ina guest room or renovating the basement

if its rarely used? Put available funds to

work on the rooms that get seen.For example, the kitchen is a popular

room in many homes. If budget doesnt al-low for a re-haul of appliances or cabinets,

think about less expensive ways to modifythe space. A new faucet can give the room

a different look, as can replacing cabinet

hardware and hinges. Revitalize the ap-pearance of the room with new ooring,

such as laminate that mimics the look ofstone, wood or other natural surfaces.

Bathroom make-overs are often highon the list of improvements. Think about

improvements that change what is dis-

liked. Maybe outdated wallpaper can be

removed and replaced with paint. Cleanup the grout around a bathtub by redoing

to freshen the room. Go with a new color

scheme achieved by replacing the old lin-ens, bath mat and shower curtain.

Living room re-dos can be achievedwith some accessory changes and perhaps

a new piece of furniture. Change a glass

coffee table for an earthy leather ottomanthat can also store toys or throw pillows.

A simple swap of window treatments candramatically change the look of the room.

Kids rooms often can be improved withsome much-needed storage space. Clear

up clutter from the oor by installing a

closet organizing system, which can hangclothes within reach for children. Older

children may appreciate a room that re-ects their maturity. Now is the time to

change princess prints for bolder graphicsor dump trucks for sophistication. All it

often takes is a little paint and some new

bed linens to achieve the look.Another simple and very inexpensive

way to renovate a home is to reduce. Byremoving clutter and items that are simply

collecting dust, homeowners can breathenew life into spaces. Rearranging furni-

ture is also another option.

Small Projects Add Up To Big Appeal

As quickly as autumn weather arrives it seems to move

aside for the blustery, cold days of winter. Winter cancatch a person off guard and the seasons are now less

predictable than ever before.Its never too early to begin preparing your yard and

outdoor living spaces for winter. Homeowners may be sadto bid farewell to the furniture and accessories of the fair-

weather season, but time is of the essence when prepping

for impending ice and snow. Clean patio furniture. Give cushions and structures

a thorough cleaning and allow to dry completely. Cleaningitems before storing them for the winter saves time and

energy next year when its time once again to set up theyard for recreation. If anything is damaged beyond repair,

discard it and look for replacements during end-of-season

sales when savings can be had. Move things indoors. The more items you can store

in a safe and secure location the better. Load the garage,basement or storage shed with outdoor gear. Leaving

items exposes them to the elements, and such exposurecan cause rust, wear and damage. Flower pots and lawn

ornaments also can blow around in winter wind or col-

lapse under the weight of the snow, so collect these itemsand store them for the winter. Take out patio umbrellas

and put them in the shed. If something is too large tomove indoors, such as a barbecue or a pool lter, cover it

with a durable tarp and secure it with rope.

Cover delicate trees. Depending on where you live,certain fruit trees, including g trees, may need to be

covered for the winter. Covering protects them from sub-freezing temperatures and helps ensure they will rebound

in the spring. Tropical plants should be moved indoors

where they can thrive in a heated home. Do not rip outchrysanthemum plants. Contrary to popular belief, these

are not annuals. They will rebloom year after year if al-lowed to do so.

Remove water collectors. Bring in or cover anythingthat may accumulate water, such as bird baths or kids

toys. Water expands when frozen, and that means watertrapped in any ceramic, glass or even plastic vessel can

expand and cause the container to crack.

Clean up leaves and debris. Piles of leaves not onlycan suffocate a lawn and cause discoloration, but also

can be attractive homes for rodents and insects lookingfor a warm place to spend their winters. Keep your yard

neat and clean to discourage wildlife from taking up resi-dence near your home.

Cover vegetable and ower beds. Invest in some bur-

lap to lay down over planting beds. This helps to keep theground from freezing over and minimize weeds for next

season. Care for outdoor ponds. If you have a pond on your

property, remove any weeds around it and sh out any

leaves from the water. Leaves will decay in the water andbuild up ammonia levels that can harm sh. If the pond

is small, cover it for the winter. Also, start cutting back onfeeding outdoor sh. These aquatic animals bodies begin

to prepare for winter by slowing down metabolism. Con-tinuing to feed them can harm the sh when the tempera-

ture drops. Wrap up pool season. Its wise to close the pool and

cover it before leaves start to drop. Otherwise you will

have a hard time of keeping the water clean. Plant spring bulbs now. Now is a good time to plan

where you want to put spring bulbs. Once you havemapped things out, get the bulbs in the ground. Bulbs

are relatively inexpensive and will provide that rst punchof color when winter nally skips town.

According to the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency, inadequate ventilation in a home can increase

indoor air pollution levels. Those pollutant levels rise

in a poorly ventilated home because not enough out-door air is making its way into a home to dilute emis-

sions from indoor sources of pollution. In addition, in

a poorly ventilated home, indoor air pollutants are notbeing carried out of the home, leaving the pollutants to

linger and potentially putting the health of the homesresidents at risk. Though it might seem counter intuitive

to allow outdoor air into a home during winter, when

such air tends to be at its coldest, such outdoor air canprotect a homes inhabitants from the immediate effects

of indoor air pollution, which include irritation of theeyes, nose and throat, as well as headaches, dizzinessand fatigue. Long-term effects of prolonged exposure

to indoor air pollution can include respiratory disease,

heart disease and cancer. But homeowners who wantto increase outdoor air inltration in their homes do not

have to open the windows even when temperatures dip.A simple inspection of mechanical ventilation systems,

such as bathroom and kitchen fans and air handling

systems that employ fans and ducts to remove indoorair and distribute ltered and conditioned outdoor air

throughout a home, may be all thats necessary to en-

sure indoor air stays healthy during the winter.

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Did You Know? Prep The Yard For Winter Weather

FALL CLEAN UP... Autumn is a busy time for preparing

your home and yard for the arrival of winter weather.

Choosing the right ooring for ahome is no small task. Flooring isexpensive, so homeowners want to

make the best decision possible so

their choice of ooring is not one theyregret and ultimately replace in the

years to come.Educating yourself about ooring

is a great way to make the process of

choosing your next oor much lessoverwhelming and more enjoyable.

The following are some of the morepopular ooring options.

HARDWOOD

Nearly everyone is familiar with

hardwood oors, which are durable,

warm and a favorite of homeownersaiming for a traditional look. Homes

with open oor plans often benet

from hardwood ooring, as it createsthe feeling of continuity that hom-eowners hope to achieve with open

oor plans. Solid wood ooring can be

renished several times to increaseits lifespan.

ENGINEERED WOOD

Engineered wood is less suscep-

tible to temperature changes andhumidity than solid wood, and some

new varieties of engineered wood in-clude substrates made from recycled

wood ber and stone dust, which may

appeal to eco-friendly homeowners.

BAMBOO

Bamboo is another ooring alter-native thats popular among eco-con-

scious homeowners, as it comes fromplants that regenerate quickly and is

therefore considered a sustainable

material. Bamboo ooring is made ofstrands of bamboo that are glued to-

gether, forming engineered planks orsolid strips. Bamboo ooring is strong

and able to resist the negative effectsof uctuating humidity, which in-

clude swelling and contraction. Manypeople prefer the fresh, bright feel ofbamboo ooring.

LAMINATE

Laminate ooring is among theless expensive ooring materials to

buy and install. Homeowners whopurchase laminate ooring have an

array of options to choose from, and

oating laminate ooring systems canbe installed over existing oors with-

out glue or nails.

CORK

Cork is another sustainable oor-ing material thats a favorite among

homeowners looking to make their

homes more eco-friendly. The ap-pearance of cork oors is unlike

many ooring materials, as it isspeckled thanks to unusual grain

patterns of the trees from which it isharvested.

Get The 411 On Todays Flooring Trends


8/12


9/12


Few drivers want to think about their

vehicles breaking down. But cars are notfoolproof, and even the most well-main-

tained vehicle can be sidelined by a attire or a dead battery. In certain times of

the year, a breakdown may be an inconve-

nience that takes up a few hours of a per-sons time. In extreme weather situations,

a broken down car could be dangerous.Preparing for emergency situations can

help drivers get moving faster.There are certain items that should be

kept in the trunk or cargo area regardless

of the season, and some of these itemsshould be modied as the seasons change.

First aid kit: If someone is hurt in anaccident, medical supplies in the trunk al-

low drivers and/or passengers to treat in-jured persons until paramedics can arrive.

Go over what is in the kit and learn how to

use each item correctly. Flares: If your car breaks down at

night or in situations where visibility ispoor, ares can keep other drivers away

from your vehicle when it is parked on theside of the road. Flares also will illuminate

the area so that you can work on xing a

problem or alert emergency personnel asto where you are located.

Jumper cables: Jumper cables enableyou to recharge a dead battery, a common

problem in cold weather. Automotive re-tailers also sell portable car battery char-

gers that can provide the boost needed to

the battery in the event you cannot ndanother car around to offer assistance.

Spare tire and tools: Tire blowouts

or holes in tires are unpredictable. Havingthe necessary items at the ready can get

you back on the road faster. Learn how tochange a tire. In a pinch, tire sealant can

be used to get you to the next service sta-

tion and away from the side of the road.

Flashlight and batteries: A ashlightmakes it possible for drivers to see under

their vehicles and under the hood more ef-fectively. It also can be used to grab the

attention of fellow motorists who might be

able to help. Keep extra batteries for theashlight on hand as well.

Blankets: A blanket can keep passen-gers warm if a car breaks down in chilly

weather. Blankets also can be placed onthe ground so that you can lay on the road

and be cushioned from debris when look-

ing under the car. Extra clothing: An extra set of clothing

can be handy should your clothing becomesoggy or soiled.

Nonperishable foods: A few snacksand bottles of water stashed in the car can

help quell hunger while waiting for a tow

truck. Sand and kitty litter: Sand can weigh

down the back of a rear-wheel drive ve-hicle to provide better traction on slippery

roads. Sand and kitty litter also can besprinkled underneath tires to help them

grip the road better when you are trying to

get the car out of an icy or muddy patch. Charged mobile phone: Keep your

cell phone charged so that you can makeemergency phone calls or contact a tow

company in the event of a breakdown. Shovel: A shovel makes it easier to dig

a vehicle out of mud or snow.

Certain things should not be stored ina vehicle. For example, hot weather can

cause lighters and cans to burst inside of

a car, so such items should not be keptin your car. In addition, freezing tempera-

tures may reduce the effectiveness of cer-tain products and cause liquids to freeze

and burst.

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For many vehicle owners, nding theright auto body shop is nearly as important

as nding the right physician. The averageprice of a new automobile continues to rise,

and protecting that investment is of para-

mount importance to motorists hoping toextend the lives of their vehicles and maxi-

mize their investments. Get a recommendation. Aside from

his skillset, a trustworthy mechanics bestfriend might just be his reputation. Word-

of-mouth recommendations from satis-

ed customers are invaluable assets for

mechanics, and such recommendationsshould be equally valued by vehicle owners.When looking for a new auto body shop,

drivers should ask friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members if they can

recommend any local shops. If anyone of-

fers an especially glowing recommendation,take it to heart and consider that shop the

next time your vehicle needs work. Dont be afraid to get estimates. Driv-

ers who tend to agonize the most overnding a new auto body shop tend to be

those with little history taking vehicles in

for repairs. This group is likely growingthanks to the escalating costs of new ve-

hicles. Those costs are encouraging driversto keep their vehicles longer, which means

drivers are now keeping their vehicles evenafter the manufacturer warranty has ex-

pired and the dealership where the car had

been serviced will no longer do so under thewarranty agreement. In such instances, it

might be less expensive to take the vehicleto an auto body shop thats not afliated

with a dealership. But that can be a fright-

ening prospect for those who have not doneso in the past. To ease those concerns, driv-

ers should obtain several estimates. Thecheapest estimate wont necessarily be the

best t for you and your vehicle, but mul-tiple estimates should give you an idea of

how much certain repairs should cost and

who may or may not be overcharging you. Consider the shops location. Recent

transplants to an area who might have re-located for a new job often want to familiar-

ize themselves with their new home baseas much as possible, and this can pay divi-

dends when a vehicle needs repairs. The

lay of the land also should be consideredby those people who have lived in the same

town their whole lives. Auto body shopslocated in afuent neighborhoods may

charge their customers more for labor thanshops in middle-income locales. And those

escalated labor costs might not be sinister.

Instead, higher labor costs may be a re-ection of the shop having higher operation

costs, such as rent, than its competitors onthe other side of town. So when shopping

for an affordable auto body shop, motorists

should consider the location of the shop

and how that location might ultimately im-pact their bottom line.

Ask as many questions as you need

to. Some drivers, especially those who ad-

mit to having limited knowledge of cars,feel as if they must simply accept a me-

chanics assessment and estimates at facevalue. Though a good mechanic wont try

to mislead you, its still good to ask asmany questions as possible before agree-

ing to let an auto body shop work on your

vehicle. When the mechanic diagnoses theproblem, dont be afraid to ask him to ex-

plain the problem, including what mighthave caused it. In addition, dont be afraid

to ask about service warranties, and be asspecic as possible, asking what a warran-

ty covers, how long work and/or parts are

covered and if the warranty can be deliv-ered in writing. These questions and their

subsequent answers can provide you somepeace of mind, and a reputable auto body

shop should have no problem answering asmany questions as you can ask them.

Initially, nding a new auto body shop

can seem like a daunting task. But seekingthe help of others and taking some addi-

tional steps can make the process go moresmoothly and increase your chances of

nding a mechanic you can trust.

Finding The Right Auto Body Shop

FIND SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST... Partof protecting your automobile investment

is nding an auto body shop you can trust.

There is seemingly no end in sight

with regard to the rising costs of owning

an automobile. From the cost of the car

or truck itself to the high prices of fuel,

drivers increasingly are on the hunt for

ways to curtail the costs of owning an au-tomobile. One way to save some cash is

to take advantage of auto insurance dis-

counts you may be eligible for.

Auto insurance company fulllment is

at record high. However, many discounts

may still be available, even if drivers or

their agents may overlook them. Fierce

competition among insurance providers

continually adds to the bevy of new dis-

counts many are willing to offer to woo

new customers.

Daytime running lights: Four out of

the 10 largest auto insurance companies

now offer discounts if your vehicle has

daytime running lights.

Low mileage: Dont take the car out

often? Such habits may earn you a re-

ward.

Grades: Check with your insurancecompany if you have a student on the

policy. His or her good grades may qualify

you for a discount.

Occupation: Your occupation also

may entitle you to a discount on insur-

ance. Insurance companies believe that

people in certain occupations or those

who spend a lot of time on the road may

be less likely to take risks. Find out if

your occupation qualies. Alumni associations and clubs: Cer-

tain organizations have teamed with in-

surance providers to offer discounts to

members. Therefore, if you are in a fra-

ternal group, a credit union, an alumni

association, or some other organization,

you may eligible for certain discounts.

Multiple policies: Many insurance

companies will offer a discount if you

group your policies together into a bun-

dle.

Insurance companies have many

other discounts available if you ask. For

example, if your vehicle has an antitheft

system or environmentally friendly com-

ponents, you may be eligible for a dis-

count. Customer loyalty, paperless bill-

ing, paying all your bill at once, being a

current or former member of the militaryor if your vehicle is a new model year also

may make you eligible for discounts that

can drastically reduce the cost of your

policy.

Fall is a time to prepare homes, vehi-

cles and even our psyches for the arrival ofwinter. To get your car cold-weather ready,

check and repair these items now.

Tire pressure can drop in cold weath-er. When tires are under inated, you lose

fuel efciency, so monitor and maintaintire pressure throughout the winter.

Those who live in particularly coldclimates should switch from all-season

to winter tires. Much as you wear winter

boots to provide more traction and protec-tion than sneakers, so should you equip

your vehicle with tires that will stand up towinter terrain.

Check on the status of your battery

and its starting power. Cold weather canput more strain on a car battery. A bat-

tery that is already weak may not turn overwhen you need it most.

Replace worn wiper blades and up-grade to a windshield uid that is rated for

subzero temperatures. Each of these items

will improve visibility when winter precipi-tation is making its presence felt.

Schedule an oil change at the begin-

ning of winter. Dirty oil can hinder cold-

weather starts and, if coupled with lowcoolant levels, can make it difcult for the

engine to turn over.

Keep jumper cables, a battery boosterpack and warning cones in your vehicle.

These can come to the rescue if your bat-tery dies and you are stranded on the side

of the road. While you are stocking the trunk or

cargo bed, include a shovel, sand or cat lit-

ter, a ashlight, an ice scraper, water, anda blanket. These are good emergency items

to have in the event your car breaks downin the winter. You can dig your tires out

of a snow drift with the shovel and apply

litter to increase traction. The blanket willcome in handy if you have to sit in a cold

car for a while awaiting roadside service. Consider taking a winter driving

course. Icy, snowy conditions completelychange the defensive tactics needed to

navigate the roads. A prepared driver is

one who is more likely to avoid accidentsand make it home safely.

Vehicle Winter Prep Checklist

Must-Have Items For Automotive Emergencies

BE PREPARED... Certain items should be kept in the car for emergency situations.

Dont Miss Out On These Auto Insurance Discounts


10/12


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Jamie GilmourAdvertisement Sales Representative

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Leasing an automobile is a greatoption for many people. Leasing al-lows motorists to drive a new car ev-ery few years if not more frequently,and the lower monthly payments as-sociated with leases make it possiblefor drivers who otherwise may not beable to afford a new car to drive thevehicle of their choosing.

But unlike buying a new or usedcar, leasing requires drivers to returntheir cars at the end of their lease.

That process often goes smoothly,but it goes even more smoothly for

those motorists who know what toexpect when the time comes to re-turn their vehicles. The following tipscan help lessees better navigate theprocess of returning a leased vehicle.

Expect an inspection. A leaseinspection is standard with manylease agreements, but lessees maynot know that this inspection canoccur as early as 90 days beforethe end of the lease agreement. Theleasing company will contact les-sees to schedule an inspection, butsuch a call can catch some lesseesoff guard if theyre not prepared toreceive it. The lessee does not haveto pay for the inspection, which isconducted to determine if there areany mechanical problems, cosmeticdamage to the vehicles exterior and

interior, cracks and/or pitting in thewindshield, or excessive wear on thetires. Once the inspection has been

completed, lessees will receive a re-port assessing any damage found bythe inspector and the cost associat-ed with addressing the damage. Thisreport may be handed over imme-diately or in the days following theinspection.

Conduct your own inspectionrst. The best way to prepare for thelease inspection is to beat the in-spector to the punch and inspect thevehicle rst. Some auto manufactur-ers provide sample inspection re-ports to lessees so the drivers know

what to look for in advance. If yourvehicle manufacturer does not, nda sample report online and use thatas your guide.

When conducing your inspection,pay particular attention to any dents,dings or scratches on the vehiclesexterior as well as any tears or stainson the vehicles interior. A thoroughdetailing may be enough to addresssome scratches, while others mayneed a more creative solution, suchas some new paint. Speak to an autodetailer if you think the scratches aresignicant enough that your leaseinspector will charge you for them.In addition, remove personal itemsfrom your vehicles interior and cleanand detail the interior if necessary.Handling issues on your own is typi-

cally less expensive than letting themanufacturer address any problemsfound during the inspection.

Request a second inspection.Many leasing companies schedulethe rst inspection so far in advanceof the turn-in date so lessees can ad-dress any issues on their own andsave money in so doing. Such com-panies will typically then schedulea second lease inspection upon re-quest, so dont be afraid to schedulea second inspection after you haveaddressed issues found during theinitial examination. Inspectors willcheck to verify all issues have beenproperly addressed, and you may

even receive a second inspection re-port if some problems were not satis-factorily addressed.

Return everything. Many les-sees are caught off guard when theyare charged for items they receivedwhen they initially signed the leasebut have long since lost or forgot-ten. Whether its that second set ofkeys you have never used or thoseannoying manufacturer oor matsthat came with the vehicle when youdrove off the lot, you need to returneverything that came with the car.Failure to return items can incurpenalties, some of which may be sig-nicant.

Returning a leased vehicle is notas simple as returning a rental car.Lessees must take steps to ensure

they are not subject to potentiallycostly penalties when they returntheir leased vehicles.

Driver distractions have grown over the previous de-

cade. In addition to cell phones, in-vehicle entertainmentsystems have grown more popular. The threat posed by

drivers using their cell phones while behind the wheel

has been widely documented, but drivers also can losefocus on the road when music is blaring or passengers

are watching DVDs in their vehicles. Lack of focus caneven occur when drivers are alone in their vehicles and

their minds begin to wander. The following are a handfulof ways drivers can maintain their focus on the road and

reduce their risk of being in an accident.

Take different routes. Familiarity with certain road-ways, such as the route you might drive to the ofce, can

lead to a lack of focus. While its good to be familiar withroads to reduce surprises, taking the same route every

day can make it easy for your mind to wander. Losingfocus or taking your eyes off the road, even if for just a

moment, can cause an accident. If possible, spice up yourdaily driving routine by taking different routes every sooften.

Leave on time. Its easy to lose focus on the roadif youre running late and hurrying to get somewhere on

time. When you hurry, your focus is largely on gettingto your destination on time and not on getting to your

destination safely. Giving yourself enough time to arrive

at your destination on time can make you a more alertdriver. If you are running late, call ahead to your destina-

tion before leaving and let them know you will be a fewminutes late. Doing so will calm you down and make you

a better driver.

Switch cars. Much like familiarity with a certainroute can lull you into a false sense of security, so can

a familiarity with your vehicle. Driving the same vehicleevery day has its advantages, but its easy to become dis-

tracted in an automobile you spend hours driving eachweek. Switch cars with your spouse once or a twice a

week if possible. You might nd driving another vehicleevery so often is fun, and a new vehicle might break upthe monotony of a daily commute while increasing your

alertness. Ban smartphones in your vehicle. Smartphones are

technological marvels that have quickly changed the waywe live our lives. But smartphone use behind the wheel is

both dangerous and illegal. Even hands-free devices that

allow drivers to keep both hands on the wheel can takedrivers attention away from the roads if theyre busy hav-

ing a discussion on the phone. If your goal is to improveyour focus on the road, turn your smartphone off when

behind the wheel. Encourage backseat passengers to wear headphones

when using in-vehicle entertainment systems. If passen-

gers want to make use of your in-vehicle entertainmentsystem, such as a DVD player, then make sure they wear

headphones while doing so. This allows you to hear thesounds of the road without being distracted by a loud

movie entertaining passengers in the backseat. Front-

seat passengers should refrain from watching movies orplaying games on their tablets, as such devices can draw

drivers attention away from the road.

Prepare To Return Your Leased Vehicle

Improving Driver Focus

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD... Maintaining focus onthe road can reduce the risk of being in an accident.

Many motorists bemoanthe myriad costs associ-ated with owning a vehicle.According to the NationalAutomobile Dealers Asso-ciation, the average pricefor a new car in the Unit-ed States is slightly morethan $28,000. But as anyvehicle owner knows, thatsticker price is only the be-ginning. The cost of main-taining a vehicle and keep-ing it on the road is notexactly insignicant.

Motorists have resolvedto keep their vehicles onthe road longer in an effortto stretch their automo-bile dollars. Thats a soundresolution, and one that isnot necessarily difcult toaccomplish.

Air Filter - If the lteris lthy, simply replaceit. Auto parts stores sellair lters, and most driv-ers shouldnt have troublereplacing a lter by them-selves.

Belts and Hoses - Is-sues with belts or hoses

are often recognizable to

the naked eye, regardlessof a drivers automotiveskill. A hose in poor con-dition can appear bulgingor brittle, and should notfeel too soft or too hard. If ahose exhibits any of thesesymptoms, replace it. Abelt thats worn or frayedshould also be replaced.

Brake Fluid - One of themore expensive repair jobson a vehicle is to replacethe brakes. Drivers shouldroutinely check the vehi-cles brake uid. Withoutsufcient brake uid, thebrakes lifespan decreasesdramatically. Checking thebrake uid is easy; simplylook in the owners manualto nd brake uid reservoirand remove the lid (somevehicles might require thelid be unscrewed). Thereservoir will likely haveinstructions on the insideadvising how much brakeuid should be added. Ifthe uid is below the line ofdemarcation, add uid upto that line. But be care-

ful not to overll. Check

the brake uid levels on amonthly basis.

Motor Oil - Oil changeguidelines have changeddramatically thanks to bet-ter cars and more reliablemotor oils. But it still helpsto check motor oil levelsafter every ll up. If motoroil levels are low, add moreoil. If oil is signicantly lowafter each ll up, consult amechanic just to be safe.

Exhaust - Once a year,be it at a routine tune upor should repair work benecessary, ask your me-chanic to check the ve-hicles emissions. Failingan emissions test might beindicative of a larger prob-lem.

In addition, inspect themufer and exhaust pipefor holes, particularly afterwinter, when debris fromsnow trucks may do signif-icant damage. Replace anydamaged or rusted parts.

Power Steering - Powersteering uid should alsobe inspected on a month-

ly basis. When checking

power steering uid, alsoinspect the pump for anyleaks.

Tires - Keeping tiresproperly inated pays nu-merous dividends. Prop-erly inated tires make iteasier for the engine to op-erate, lowering fuel costswhile also decreasing wearand tear on the engine.

Maintaining tires alsoinvolves checking for wearand tear. Uneven wearcould indicate the tires aremisaligned. Discuss thiswith your mechanic.

Transmission Fluid -When checking transmis-sion uid, do so while thecar is running and afterthe engine has warmedup. If the vehicle needstransmission uid, add therecommended uid but becareful not to overll.

Prolonging a vehicleslifespan is not as difcultas it sounds. Oftentimes,all it takes is minor, yetroutine, maintenance tokeep a car on the road for

years and years.

Preventive Maintenance To Keep Your Car On The Road


11/12


Shop at:

www.

EDGERTON AUTO SALVAGE

Carl W. BellmannOWNER

800-272-4097

419-298-2566

06018 STATE ROUTE 62 Miles East of

EDGERTON, OH 43517

Used Truck and Auto Parts

We can pick up old cars8-5 DAILY; TILL NOON ON SAT.; CLOSED SUNDAY

Auto WreckingAll Late Parts

Cars and TrucksUSED CARS

06018 US HIGHWAY 6

GUNNS AUTO SERVICE

& TOWING LLC2254 B North Scott St., Napoleon, OH 43545

419-592-8383

- 24 Hour Towing -

419-579-0059 or 419-966-7080

E & H AUTO

CLINIC INC.Harold Stickley, President

419.335.67711066 Ottokee Street Wauseon, Ohio 43567

TERRY

HENRICKSCHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP-RAM

www.TerryHenricks.com

1935 South Defiance St., Archbold

419-445-2576Toll-Free

1-800-445-6576

YOU TALK......WE LISTENService & Parts Departments

Open Saturdays 8:30 am-1 pm &Monday evenings until 7:30 pm

Oil Changes: No Appointment NeededMaintenance: Call For Appointment

We service all makes & models

Putting off routine auto mainte-nance or ignoring service intervals

is false economy. Small issues can

morph into more expensive repairs.For example, failure to replace worn

brake pads or a faulty oxygen sen-sor -- both relatively easy services for

qualied auto technicians -- can re-

sult in expensive brake rotor serviceor costly replacement of the vehicles

catalytic converter.Frequently neglected items include

oil changes, tire and brake service,

wheel alignment, air and fuel lters,and transmission service, according

to ASE-certied auto technicians.Besides, a well-maintained vehicle

gets better gasoline mileage, pollutesless, is safer to operate, and lasts lon-

ger than one thats neglected, notesASE.

To help consumers choose a repair

shop that ts their needs, ASE offersthe following checklist:

Look for a neat, well-organizedfacility, with vehicles in the parking

lot equal in value to your own andmodern equipment in the service

bays.

Look for a courteous staff, witha service consultant willing to answer

all of your questions. Look for policies regarding esti-

mated repair costs, diagnostic fees,guarantees, and acceptable methods

of payment.

Ask if the repair facility special-

izes or if it usually handles your typeof repair work.

Look for signs of professionalismin the customer service area, such as

civic, community, or customer service

awards. Look for evidence of qualied

technicians: trade school diplomas,certicates of advanced course work,

and certication by ASE.

Look for the ASE sign or logo; itmeans the shop employs nationally

certied technicians.The National Institute for Auto-

motive Service Excellence (ASE) wasfounded in 1972 as a non-prot, in-

dependent organization dedicated toimproving the quality of automotive

service and repair through the volun-

tary testing and certication of auto-motive technicians.

ASE-certied technicians wearblue and white ASE shoulder insig-

nia and carry credentials listing their

exact areas of certication. Their em-ployers often display the blue and

white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.comfor seasonal car care advice and more.

Advice From The Pros: Do Not Neglect Auto Service

Very often drivers nd that the seats or the mats belowtheir feet are damp or downright sopping wet. But unless

a window or sunroof was left open during a rainstorm,

drivers may nd it difcult to decipher why their vehiclesare suddenly soaked.

Unfortunately, when a vehicles interior is wet, thatcould be a sign of a signicant problem, one that can

gradually worsen over time. Wetness can cause electricalcomponents or metal structures in the car to rot, and a

soggy interior may eventually be overcome by mold. It is

best to nd out what is causing the leak as soon as pos-

sible and have the problem xed just as quickly.Finding the source of a leak is not always easy. Some-times drivers can locate it themselves and then x the

problem on their own, while more serious problems mightneed to be handled by a professional. But it is best to as-

sess the situation before booking an appointment with

your mechanic.Cars can spring a leak for a variety of reasons. Leaks

from systems under the hood, as well as rainwater or wa-ter from washing the car, can inltrate the interior if seals

around doors and/or windows are broken or gaskets areworn out. Figuring out which type of liquid is entering

your vehicle can help you determine whats behind the

leak.A clear, slippery liquid under the seats may be indica-

tive of a leak in the brake uid reservoir. Brake uid isa liquid used in the braking system to apply hydraulic

pressure from the master cylinder to the calipers to the

pads against the wheel drums. If you discover brake uid,check the master cylinder or the clutch master cylinder to

see if there is a leak or spillover of the uid.Coolant also can leak under the dashboard and into

the foot wells of a car. Coolant is a sticky, green andsweet-smelling uid, and a coolant leak could mean that

a heater core or hose in the cooling system is leaking. In

such instances, hoses may need to be replaced.Some vehicles have water diverters on the sides of

their windshields to make sure water ows off of the wind-shield when the wipers are in use. Also, the trough where

the wipers rest should have a sealant that prevents waterfrom entering at the base of the windshield. Over time,

both can wear out and may need to be replaced and re-

sealed. Try sitting in the car on a dry day and spraying ahose on the windshield. See if any water eventually makes

it inside of the car. If it does, the windshield is likely thereason your vehicles interior is getting wet.

A clogged drain in a vehicles heating, ventilation andair conditioning system is one of the more common causes

of interior water damage. If the drain is clogged, conden-

sation from the system cannot drain from the tube. Insuch instances, water backs up into the system and can

actually blow out of the car vents or elsewhere in the ve-hicle, forming a pool on the oor of the car. Leaves or

debris can cause a blockage. If excess water is left in theHVAC system, it can damage the blower motor. Also, a

faulty seal that is located between the HVAC case and the

rewall of the vehicle may cause water to leak into thepassenger compartment under the carpet.

In some cases, cleaning blocked drains in a vehiclesHVAC system may be as simple as blowing compressed

air through the vents or using a wire to clear out leaves ordirt. Other times it may be hard to access the leaks, and

such instances are often best left to a mechanic.

The causes of leaks in a car are not always so easy todiagnose. But it is important to gure out where the water

is coming from early on to minimize the damage water cando to your vehicle.

LOOK FOR QUALITY... Look for trade school diplomas, certicates of ad-vanced course work, and certication by ASE to ensure your mechanic is

properly ensured.

Diagnosing A Leaky Car

LOOK FOR LEAKS ... After taking a vehicle through the

car wash, drivers may notice a leak inside the car.

Drivers rarely think of the tires on their vehicles until

they have a at. But the type of tires on your vehicle canimpact its performance. When choosing tires for their ve-

hicles, drivers should consider a host of factors, includingthe terrain and driving conditions vehicles are likely to

encounter.Understanding tires and what makes some a better t

than others for certain vehicles can make for safe driving

and improved handling.

ALL-SEASON TIRES

The most common type of tire and arguably the bestknown is the standard all-season tire. Many vehicles

come equipped with these tires, which are designed to beversatile enough to grip the road in various conditions.

They are commonly made of a harder rubber that will not

wear out quickly and will retain their tread. Most day-to-day driving can be done on all-season tires.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE TIRES

People who live in dry climates or drive sports and rac-

ing cars can benet from high-performance tires. Thesetires are specically designed to grip the road better and

offer superior handling under higher speeds. Because

high-performance tires are made of a softer rubber com-pared to standard tires, they will not last as long as all-

season tires.

SNOW TIRES

People who live in snowy, icy conditions will benetfrom the use of snow tires. These tires are designed with

special treads to offer more traction in slippery conditions.

The rubber used to manufacture the tire can remain ex-ible even at extremely low temperatures. Winter tires are

best reserved for extreme weather and not used all seasonlong because they will wear o

2014 fall home improvement & car care guide

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