2011 Drive Whatcom Spring Edition

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The

and the

Diesel makes a green comeback thanks to the Audi A3 TDI at Roger Jobs Motors See C3 inside

present

Spring 2011

Drive

WHATCOM

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

A supplement of the &

What’s Inside...

Ferndale charging station services electric vehicles on the I-5 corridor..........................................C5

2012 Honda Civic coming to Northwest Honda in April.................................................. C6

Three yellow Beetles converge at the Fairway Center....................................... C8

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

2011 Jetta Sedan 2.9% APR/60 mos.(1) Excludes TDI models.

SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

2011 Jetta TDI Clean Diesel Sedan 3.99% APR/60 mos.(2)

(1) APR offer good on new 2011 Jetta Sedan models. Excludes TDI models. Example: For 2.9% APR, monthly payment for every $1,000 you finance for 60 months is $17.92. No down payment required with approved credit through Volkswagen Credit. *Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate. See dealer for details. Offer valid in US. (2) *APR offer good on new 2011 Jetta TDI clean diesel Sedan models. Example: For 3.99% APR, monthly payment for every $1,000 you finance for 60 months is $18.41. No down payment required with approved credit through Volkswagen Credit. Not all customers will qualify for lowest rate. See dealer for details. All offers expire March 31, 2011. Photos for illustration purposes only. ©2011 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

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Audi A3 is green standard for clean diesel technology Model won 2010 Green Car of the Year award Mark Reimers Tribune reporter     WHATCOM  —  Green  Car  of  the  Year.  There  aren’t  many  vehicle  that  can make that boast. In 2010, the Audi  A3 TDI earned the distinction from the  Green Car Journal mostly due to its cutting-edge clean diesel technology.     Yes, diesel.      When  many  Americans  hear  diesel, they still think of a long-haul tractor trailer rig, or a Cummins engine in  a Dodge Ram. But some car manufacturers  would  prefer  you  start  thinking  green.     The Audi A3 may just be the vehicle  to  change  the  way  drivers  think  about  going  green.  Although  not  a  front-line  manufacturer  in  America,  Audi  has  seen  sales  steadily  ticking  upward  as  demand  increases  for  unique  vehicles 

like the A3.     Travis  Graddon,  sales  representative and Audi brand specialist at Roger  Jobs  Motors  in  Bellingham,  said  Audi  sold  about  110,000  A3’s  in  the  United  States  last  year  and  has  a  target  sales  figure of about 140,000 this year.     Last  year’s  success  followed  close  on  the  heels  of  a  humorous  ad  campaign  for  the  2010  Super  Bowl  telecast  called “Green Police.� The ad imagined  police units tasked with enforcing green  standards  in  all  areas  of  life.  At  a  road  checkpoint,  the  green  police  give  the  driver of an A3 TDI a free pass through  traffic as a reward for his taste in automobiles.     But “green� has been a long-standing  effort  and  marketing  theme  from  Audi, Graddon said, and no one is more 

See TDI on C4

The Audi A3 TDI has helped redefine what diesel represents in the United States. — Lynden Tribune | MARK REIMERS

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

TDI: Earns best-in-class ratings for fuel economy Continued from C5 qualified than Audi to claim the mantle.     Perhaps the biggest drawback to buying an Audi A3 is the wait, since dealer lots around the country move through their limited inventories as quickly as they can obtain them.     Helping to fuel that demand are A3’s quality lightweight materials, super luxury and years of experience in the diesel market, with engines that produce 30 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than traditional gasoline engines.     A 2011 Audi A3 TDI retails typically in the $30,000 range depending on features included, but it can save money in the long run.     The efficiency of diesel means getting a lot of bang for each buck spent at the pump. In fact, although the 2.0 liter TDI clean diesel engine produces 140 horse power, it still gets a luxury classleading 30 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway. In addition, the A3 achieves 50 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine.     Graddon said Audi’s diesel technology speaks for itself. A close examination of an A3 tail pipe will discover no soot or odors, and it performs quietly. Diesel cars, although more common in Europe, have taken a long time to find acceptance in the United States. However, in 2009, Volkswagen, which owns Audi, reentered the U.S. diesel market, opening the way for Audi to take the lead.     For more information, contact Roger Jobs at 734-5230 or visit at 2200 Iowa St. in Bellingham.     E-mail Mark Reimers at reporter@ lyndentribune.com.

The Audi A3 TDI is usually spoken for by the time it reaches a dealer lot anywhere in the United States. — Lynden Tribune | MARK REIMERS

AAA announces its top picks for new vehicle technology Automakers go for ‘greener’ as well as safety and performance     BELLEVUE — AAA has released its biennial list of top picks for new vehicle technology.     Developed by automotive experts at the nation’s largest motor club, the list features a variety of interesting vehicle technologies intended to improve safety, increase performance and reduce the environmental impact of some of the newest models on the market.     “Every model year, automakers find new ways to employ technology in their vehicles to enhance the driving experience,” said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair and Buying Services. “While many of the innovations continue to focus on safety and performance, we’re also seeing more new technologies that address the environmental impact of the vehicles we drive, which is evident in this year’s list.”

AAA’s experts warn that not every new vehicle technology necessarily has a positive effect on function or safety. “Many technologies can distract drivers who end up multi-tasking behind the wheel, which takes their focus off the primary task at hand — safely driving their car,” Nielsen said.     This year’s top picks by AAA for new vehicle technology include:     All-Electric Vehicles — While many automakers have electric vehicles in the works, the Nissan Leaf is the first to market from a major car brand. With an estimated 100-mile range between charges, the Leaf is a viable option for many commuters. It drives nicely and has a well-designed interior. Calculated on a cents-permile basis, the electricity that powers it costs less than half as much as gasoline in fuel-efficient cars.

Plug-In Hybrids — These cars provide the benefits of an electric car, while maintaining the same driving range as conventional vehicles. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and the soon-to-arrive plug-in Toyota Prius operate in all-electric mode for a limited local range, after which a downsized gasoline engine is used to either power the vehicle or recharge the battery while the car moves.     Turbocharging and Supercharging — These systems have long been associated with performance, but they also can produce enhanced fuel economy. Turbochargers and superchargers let automakers install smaller engines that burn less fuel during normal driving, yet offer the performance of a larger engine when acceleration is needed for passing or merging. Ford’s EcoBoost engines are

an example of this technology, which was recently introduced into its F-150 models, with other manufacturers moving to follow suit.     Inflatable Rear Seatbelts — Both Ford and Mercedes-Benz are working with this technology that promises to bring a large measure of the airbag protection afforded to front-seat occupants to those who are buckled up in the rear. In a crash, the seatbelts inflate, spreading the force of the impact over a larger area of the body, which reduces the likelihood of injuries.     Start-Stop Technology — Common in other parts of the world, but only in limited United States use, start-stop technology is making its mainstream debut in America via Mazda’s i-stop feature. The technology shuts off the engine when the car is at a stop, and instantly restarts it when the driver takes his foot off the brake

See NEW TECH on C10

SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

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Ferndale charging station services electric vehicles on the I-5 corridor American-made Tesla Roadster popular worldwide Megan Claflin Ferndale Record editor     FERNDALE — Business owners and  employees  working  near  the  Ferndale  Events Center, just off Interstate 5 at Exit  262, are accustomed to a steady stream  of travelers. However, recently a few new  visitors are commanding more than just  an upward glance.       Each week, Tesla Roadsters, American-made  high-end  electric  vehicles,  find their way to the public charging station  located  in  the  center’s  parking  lot  and arrive in a “rainbow of colors,� said  Anna  Schiessel,  Ferndale  Events  Center  (FEC) operations manager.     “Teslas  come  in  every  color  you  could  imagine  and  are  very  unique  in  appearance,� Schiessel said. “Many local  owners  commute  along  the  coast,  back  and  forth  between  Seattle  and Vancouver, B.C., so this is a convenient stop for  them.�     Schiessel  said  FEC  owner  Kim  Alfreds  installed  the  battery  charger  in  2010, after Chad Schwitters, a Redmond 

resident  and  fellow  Tesla  owner,  approached  him  about  the  lack  of  charging  options  along  the  I-5  route.  Alfreds  agreed to host the station and Schwitters  donated the charging apparatus.      “(Kim)  sees  (the  station)  as  a  public  service,  helping  drivers  who  choose  these  all-electric  vehicles,�  Schiessel  said.     The charging station is inconspicuous.  Passersby  are  likely  unaware  that  the  single,  reserved  parking  space  is  a  designated  lifeline  for  electric  vehicle  owners,  with only a simple awning and  small sign marking the spot. Mounted to  the  center’s  wall,  a  shoebox-sized  electrical meter offers a prongless cord that  locks into place on the roadster at a converter point near the rear of the vehicle.  On  average,  a Tesla  Roadster  can  travel  245  miles  at  a  time  and  needs  about  three to four hours to regain a full charge  of power.     “Owners  can  use  other  outlets  like  the RV hookups at campground but it is 

See TESLA on C9

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A "free charge" at the self-serve station at the Ferndale Events Center may become a perk to visiting the area. — Ferndale Record | MEGAN CLAFLIN

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

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SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

2012 Honda Civic to arrive locally in April Hybrid version will get 45 miles per gallon Tim Newcomb Tribune assistant editor     WHATCOM  —  It  may  seem  early  for  2012  models  to  start  arriving  on  local  car  dealership lots, but it is never too early for  45 miles per gallon.     The  new  Honda  Civic  Hybrid  boasts  just that, an estimated city/highway combined fuel-economy rating of 45 miles per  gallon.  And  a  new  HF  gasoline-only  version won’t be far behind, with an estimated 41 mpg on the highway.     The new Civic will land at Bellingham’s  Northwest Honda dealership in mid-April  and  customers  are  already  looking  forward to the advanced fuel efficiency, said  Tony  Carter,  Northwest  Honda  general  manager.      “With gas prices creeping up, fuel efficiency is on everyone’s mind,” Carter said.  “This  is  a  pretty  green  town,  so  people  are interested in fuel efficiency more and  more.”     The  entire  redesigned  ninth-generation Civic lineup will become more fuel ef-

ficient with two models – the all-new Civic  HF and the Civic Hybrid – each delivering  fuel  economy  estimates  of  more  than  40  mpg on the highway.     The lineup also includes the standard  coupe, a sedan and two sporty Si versions.     In all, the 2012 Civic lineup includes a  sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, a new “HF” high fuel economy version, two sporty “Si” performance  versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.     The newly designed HF model will be  the most fuel-efficient gasoline-only Civic  in the lineup when it launches this spring.  It  is  equipped  with  a  1.8-liter  i-VTEC  engine.     The  2012  Civic  Hybrid,  which  will  be  outfitted for the first time with a lithiumion  battery  and  a  larger  1.5-liter  i-VTEC  engine,  is  expected  to  achieve  an  EPAestimated  city/highway  combined  fuel  economy  of  45  mpg,  an  improvement  of  four  mpg  compared  to  the  current  Civic  Hybrid.      Both  the  Civic  HF  and  Civic  Hybrid

The sleek Honda Civic coupe always pleases in the looks category. But hybrid versions can take the pain out of filling up at the pump with an EPA-estimated combined rating of 45 miles per gallon. — Lynden Tribune | COURTESY

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SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

The new Civic is packed with interior technology such as the new dash-mounted computer, which supports photo downloads and iPod sync along with navigational controls. The vehicle offers a perk for just about everyone. — Lynden Tribune | COURTESY

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models  will  boast  aerodynamic  components  and  the  Honda  ECO  Assist  technology,  which  provides  feedback  to the driver to promote more efficient driving styles.     Carter said that as hybrid technology has advanced,  customers’  fears  of  it  have  dissipated,  making  a  hybrid  purchase a more mainstream idea in Whatcom County.     In addition to the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models,  the  Civic  Sedan,  Civic  Coupe  and  Civic  GX  Natural  Gas  models are also estimated to achieve improved fuel economy compared to the current models.      The Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 39 mpg on the highway, an improvement  of  three  mpg  when  compared  to  the  current  model.  The  Civic  Natural  Gas  vehicle  is  anticipated  to  earn a 7 percent improvement in fuel economy compared  to the current model. The Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and  Civic  Natural  Gas  models  will  all  be  equipped  with  the  Honda ECO Assist technology.     Along  with  improved  fuel  economy,  the  new  Civic  lineup  claims  to  offer  more  performance,  particularly  with  the  Civic  Si.  The  Civic  Si  sedan  and  coupe  models  will feature a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter engine as well  as a new six-speed manual transmission. The new engine  is  anticipated  to  deliver  200  horsepower  with  170  footpounds  of  torque.  Even  with  the  larger  engine  and  a  22  percent increase in torque, Civic Si is targeted to achieve  an  EPA-estimated  highway  fuel  economy  of  31  mpg,  an  increase of two mpg when compared to the current model.     Carter  said  that  interior  technology  is  also  a  bonus  with  the  new  Civics,  as  a  new  computer  in  the  console  boasts a five-inch screen where drivers can download personal photos and sync their iPod and navigation systems.     Northwest Honda, located at 2010 Iowa St., not only  expects to sell the Civic locally, but to Canadian customers too. “We sold three cars to Canadians over the weekend,� Carter said. “We sell a lot of used cars to Canada.�     E-mail Tim Newcomb at tim@lyndentribune.com.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

Yellow Beetles converge at the Fairway Center Three workers there sport their eye-catching VW models

Calvin Bratt Tribune editor     LYNDEN — Three canary yellow VW Beetles. All belonging to workers at the Fairway Center. Sometimes parked within sight distance of each other.     No, it’s not a mirage or a triple vision problem.     Adele Salmonson, Teri Scheffer and Bonnie Jager didn’t plan it this way. It just happened that the three women obtained their very nearly identical Volkswagen cars, two of them within the last year, and they drive to the same vicinity for work. Now they feel like sisters in their bond for their automobile babies.     The three gathered recently at the Fairway Cafe to get more acquainted with each other and trade some of their stories.     “We’re quite often nose to nose out there (in the parking lot),” said Jager, who works three days a week at Ace Hardware in sync with Salmonson, a full-time cook at the cafe.     Scheffer works part-time at the Connie & Co. Styling Salon, and she scoots around to several other involvements.     “We’re drawn to yellow Volkswagens just like bees to a hive,” says Scheffer with gusto.     So how did they each come to own one of these sweet specimens that seems to attract others? Each has a different story.     Adele bought her 2001 standard stick-

Three employees at the Fairway Center, from left, Adele Salmonson, Teri Scheffer and Bonnie Jager, all come to work driving their nearly identical yellow Volkswagen Beetles. — Lynden Tribune | CALVIN BRATT

shift model for her daughter Kaylee, who was just finishing up driver’s education at the time. Unfortunately, the teen, not entirely comfortable with stick-shift, punched the car into the cinder-block back of the home garage.     So daughter has been content to let mom drive the repaired sporty Beetle while she settles for the old family clunker, a Buick Riviera. In fact, as a Running Start student at Whatcom Community College, Kaylee is able to pick out her vehicle in the parking lot a little more easily. Sometimes she counts four yellow VWs there.     “So that’s the hot bug,” Adele said.     Jager’s father, Evert Bredeway, in Michigan had collected and tinkered with the original version of VW Beetles all his life. When the reincarnated Beetle came out in 1998, he ordered one in yellow. But there was such a demand for them, resulting in production delays, that he got a 1999 model.     After the Bredeway couple, both in their 80s, passed away, Ted and Bonnie Jagers took possession of the car a year ago and drove it cross-country to Lynden. They were struck that they came upon more Beetles in Washington State than anywhere else on the trip.     Twelve years old, the Jagers automatic transmission version still has less than 40,000 miles on it.     Salmonson said her husband, Denny, promised her a Beetle when she graduated from beauty school. Last October, he found this one, a turbo-charged five-speed with a sunroof, in Bellingham.     “I have to watch it because it gets going to 70 miles per hour in the blink of an eye,” she said.     In fact, the turbo upgrade includes a rear fin that deploys at high speeds — somewhat like on an airplane — to keep the car from “taking off,” Scheffer laughed.     It’s stayed on the ground for 128,000 miles so far.     The women all report gas mileage around 35 miles per gallon.     They also say appreciately that big and tall men who drive their Beetles find there is plenty of head and foot room to suit them. Grandkids and even dogs are eager to try out the back seat.     Salmonson, who lives just blocks from work, has the luxury of needing only one tank fillup per month, for less than $45.     They all at times use the famous flower vase built into the Beetle’s steering column.     Scheffer’s car has a slightly paler hue of yellow, noticeable up close. Travis Graddon, a sales representative at Roger Jobs Motors in Bellingham, said it is true that Volkswagen varies its color scheme slightly every few years, so that, for example, in yellow there have been Sunflower, Double Yellow and Mellow Yellow so far.     Scheffer likes to think that the person at the wheel of a yellow VW Beetle tends to be someone “spunky and social,” and even the word “crazy” came up among the three women.     Crazy about their favorite car, at least.     E-mail Calvin Bratt at editor@lyndentribune.com.

SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

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Tesla: Zero gas, zero emission gaining ground Continued from C5 a very slow charge and take several hours longer than the station here,� Schiessel said.     The charger is self-serve, so predicting the number of drivers who will be utilizing the station is difficult, said Schiessel. However, she believes that the availability of a “free charge� is enticing to drivers visiting from California, where similar services cost a few dollars per charge.     The charger can also serve other electric vehicle owners who have one of the many converter kits, which allow for the power cable to fit a variety of sockets. Several websites and blogs help to spread the word about the location of charging stations and service shops worldwide. For more information, visit http://www. pluginamerica.org/about-us.     Founded in 2003 as a collaboration of Silicon Valley engineers, Tesla Motors stepped boldly onto the international car scene in 2008 with the release of the Tesla Roadster, a 288-horsepower, 375volt electric sports car capable of traveling up to 300 miles on a single charge. The vehicle’s sleek design and powerful performance, with top speeds reaching 125 miles per hour, has helped open up the world of electric vehicles to even the most elite of car enthusiasts. Three years

later, Tesla boasts more than 1,500 owners in 30 countries worldwide and 17 stores worldwide, and it has begun producing a more family-friendly sedan.     A Tesla price tag exceeds $100,000 and potential owners must preorder their vehicle from manufacturers, but as gas prices continue to rise, these zerogas, zero-emissions vehicles are gaining popularity.     For more information, visit www. teslamotors.com/.    E-mail Megan Claflin at news@ferndalerecord.com. t

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

C10

New Tech: Diesel, stability Continued from C4 pedal.  Common  on  gasoline-electric  hybrids,  more  widespread  application  of  the  technology  has  the  potential  to  save  significant  energy  in  non-hybrid  vehicles, particularly in urban environments.     Variable Valve  Timing  —  This  feature was once limited to high-cost performance and luxury models, but is now  available in nearly every price range of  vehicle.  Variable  valve  timing  creates  more  engine  power  while  delivering  greater efficiency and lower emissions.  The  technology  is  now  widespread  in  models  from  numerous  automakers  including  Ford,  GM,  Chrysler,  Toyota,  Honda and BMW.     Enhanced  Stability  Control  and  Rollover Protection — Introduced in the  2011 Ford Explorer, curve control senses when a driver has entered a turn too  quickly, which can cause a crash, especially  in  SUVs,  crossovers  and  pick-up  trucks that have high centers of gravity.  Curve control backs off the throttle and,  if  more  assistance  is  needed,  applies  the brakes. Ford claims the system can  reduce vehicle speed by 10 mph in just  one second to help the driver maintain  control in a curve.     Diesel  Engines  — While  diesel  en-

gines  have  been  around  for  decades,  the days of smelly, noisy, smoke-belching and rough-running diesels are gone.  Modern diesel engines are clean, quiet,  refined  and  powerful.  They  also  are  economical,  often  providing  a  30  percent  boost  in  fuel  economy  with  a  corresponding  decline  in  carbon  dioxide  emissions  compared  to  gasoline  engines offering comparable performance.  Some top performers in this area include  Volkswagen models with TDI diesel engines, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles with  BlueTEC diesel power plants.     Alternator  Recharging  Programs  — Some manufacturers, such as Toyota  and BMW, limit the time the alternator  recharges  the  battery  to  higher  engine  speeds  and/or  when  the  car  is  slowing  down.  The  outcome  for  the  driver  is  improved performance of engine while  idling and better fuel economy.     AAA’s  top  picks  for  new  vehicle  technology  are  selected  by  AAA  auto  buying  experts  who  review  hundreds  of vehicles each year. The list takes into  consideration not only the first appearance  of  a  new  technology  in  vehicles,  but also its availability to U.S. motorists  in popular mainstream vehicles.      Additional  information  about  AAA  is available at AAA.com or by calling 1800-562-2582. AAA has a Bellingham office at 4280 Meridian St., #106.

SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

Seasonal checks: Brakes and batteries     Drivers  are  holding  on  to  their  cars  longer in these tough economic times. Motorists  need to get the most out of their investment  by following proper maintenance.     “Holding off on purchasing a new vehicle  can  be  a  smart  financial  decision,  especially  if  drivers  properly  maintain  their  vehicles  to  ensure they’re running safely and efficiently,”  said  Steve  Stoll,  merchandising  director  of  AutoZone, the nation’s leading auto parts retailer.     The  average  length  of  time  consumers  hold  on  to  their  vehicles  is  more  than  five  years,  according  to  a  recent  automotive  industry  study.  Older  cars  can  be  safe  and  dependable, but need ongoing maintenance to  keep them running at their best.     Motorists can plan ahead for repairs and  replacements instead of being hit by an unexpected bill down the road, Stoll said.      Two  key  components  in  any  vehicle  are  the  braking  system  and  the  battery.  Experts  offer  the  following  tips  to  ensure  these  vital  parts are properly maintained:  Brakes      Excessive  build-up  of  road  grime  from  winter on brake components is one cause of  brake failure. Also, salt and ice removal chemicals  can  create  contamination  of  exposed  brake  parts  and  cause  brake  components  to  deteriorate  prematurely.  Hazardous  road  conditions may also lead to increased use of  antilock braking systems, and in turn premature wear of all brake system components.      As  temperatures  warm  up,  motorists

should check their braking systems to uncover  any damage that may have occurred during the  winter months.      Brakes should be checked quarterly to ensure  proper  performance.  Brake  pads  and  rotors  should  also  be  checked  any  time  the  tires  are  removed,  such  as  during  a  rotation.  Other  brake  components  such  as  brake  fluid  should  be checked at every oil change.  Battery     A battery’s biggest enemy is heat. High temperatures can cause the grids inside batteries to  corrode and break down. The effects of the corrosion are usually seen when winter hits, when  the car requires more electrical power to start.  Drivers should have batteries tested up to twice a year in normal climates, and more frequently  in extremely hot or cold climates.      While  batteries  can  last  more  than  five  years in ideal driving conditions, factors such as  temperature, the car’s age and nature of usage  can impact the life of a battery. Many motorists  are unaware that under the stress of normal city  driving,  the  average  life  of  a  vehicle  battery  is  about three years.      According to the National Car Care Council,  drivers with batteries more than three years old  should consider replacing them, since batteries  rarely give warning signs that they are about to  fail.     Drivers  seeking  more  information  about  protecting  their  auto  investments  and  extending the lives of their vehicles can visit www.autozone.com  for  car  care  tips,  seasonal  driving  advice and maintenance how-to videos.

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SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

C11

Used car shopping? Use the right tools for the right find     Used vehicles are a lot like snowflakes or people — no two are exactly alike.     Sure, two Ford Mustangs are exactly alike when they roll off the assembly line. But, once they go home with a human being, no two cars are ever quite the same again. Maybe one is meticulously maintained, and only driven once a week to church and back. Maybe one gets in an accident, or is owned by a traveling salesman who drives 50,000 miles in a year.     Once a vehicle has been on the road even for a short time, it takes on characteristics that make it just a little different from every vehicle on the road.     So, with more than 30 million used vehicles sold throughout the United States every year, how can you make sure you get the right used vehicle to fit your needs, meet your price range, and avoid getting a lemon?     It comes down to knowing where to look, learning about a vehicle’s history and getting a trusted source to take a look under the hood to make sure the vehicle is in good working condition.     First things first — where to look. The world has shifted to the Internet, and car shopping is no exception. Every day, more than 100,000 people find a vehicle they are looking for by shopping on an automotive website.     Online destinations such as eBay Motors, NADA Used Car Guide and CarsDirect. com have literally hundreds of thousands of

vehicles searchable by make, model, year, mileage, price and many other attributes to help narrow down the search to a handful of vehicles that meet your criteria. You want a red convertible with a V-6, black interior, ABS and less than 25,000 miles? Chances are, one of these sites can help you find exactly what you are looking for.     Once you’ve identified a few vehicles that could meet your driving needs, personal style and price range, it’s important to learn a vehicle’s history. An AutoCheck vehicle history report can show if a car or truck has had possible undisclosed or unknown problems

that can affect an automobile’s safety and resale value, such as major flood or frame damage, or odometer rollback issues.     One of the things car shoppers are most interested in is whether or not a vehicle has been in an accident. To meet this demand, AutoCheck has incorporated key information including police-reported accidents on vehicles from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as exclusive frame damage records gathered from physical inspections at vehicle auctions. In addition, the AutoCheck Score offers users a system for comparing a vehicle’s history against other

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vehicles of similar make, model and mileage. This helps shoppers determine whether it is worth paying a little extra for a high quality vehicle.     Once you have found a vehicle that fits your needs and you verify its history, it’s still important to have a qualified authority take a look at the vehicle. Because many shoppers are finding vehicles far from home, it can be challenging to physically check the car to make sure the description and condition match the ad. This is where an inspection service, such as InspectMyRide, comes in handy.     InspectMyRide has a comprehensive 150-point inspection service that provides a detailed analysis of vehicle condition. Inspect My Ride sends a qualified inspector to the vehicle, performs a road test when conditions permit, inspects the vehicle for signs of damage or concern and returns a detailed report — including high-quality digital photos — usually within 24 hours. This gives car shoppers peace of mind that the vehicle they are looking at is as good as advertised.     All of these steps — searching the databases of major used vehicle shopping websites, reviewing a detailed vehicle history report and getting an inspection from a trusted resource — give consumers the tools they need to find the right vehicle at the right price and make a stress-free purchase decision based on history and expertise.

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*Preliminary EPA mileage estimate determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 | Ferndale Record

C1

SPRING DRIVE WHATCOM

Do your brakes grab?

Over 25 Years Experience

LES SCHWAB BRAKE SERVICE INCLUDES:

Professionally Trained Technicians

WE REPLACE Primary y Shoe Return Spring

CALIPER ASSEMBLY

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Boot Piston Seal ea WE REPLACE WE REPLACE WE REPLACE Outer/Inner Sleeve & Pad & Plates Bushings

Premium Quality Parts

WE REPLACE Bleeder Screw Caliper p Housing

WE RESURFACE BRAKE ROTORS

BRAKE ASSEMBLY

WE REPLACE Primary Shoe WE REPLACE Shoe Hold-Down Parts WE REPLACE Adjuster j Lever Spring

WE RESURFACE BRAKE DRUMS

WE REPLACE Secondary Shoe Return Spring

WE REPLACE Wheel Cylinder y Assembly

WE REPLACE Secondary y Shoe

Do your brakes squeal when you step on the pedal? Does your vehicle pull when you apply the brakes? Do you hear a grinding noise when you step on the brakes? Is your brake pedal spongy or maybe too hard?

There are many important parts that wear out in your brake system. This is why we don’t just replace your brake pads and shoes. It’s also why we can stand behind our brake service with the best brake warranty (Free Replacement 25,000 Miles – Parts & Labor).

SIGNS OF NEEDED ALIGNMENT: VEHICLE PULLING VEHICLE WANDERING TIRE SHOULDER WEAR

Then it is time to have your vehicle’s alignment checked. We use the finest parts and have the latest equipment. We service domestic/import cars and trucks.

FERNDALE

1731 LaBOUNTY DR • (360) 380-4660

7C66 3C2<6 :?DA64E:@?D (ON MOST VEHICLES)

SIGNS OF WORN SHOCKS:

VEHICLE SHIMMY/SWAY Then it is time to have your ride control BUMPY RIDE TIRE CUPPING

inspected. We use the finest parts and have the latest equipment. We service domestic/import cars and trucks. Shock Installation Extra

LYNDEN

210 BIRCH BAY - LYNDEN RD • (360) 354-1446

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