• Determine Your Vehicle's Value
• Keeping Cool This Summer
• Keep Your Vehicle Looking New
• Get A Good Night's Sleep

 

July 2010 Newsletter

Determine Your Vehicle's Value

Ever wonder what your car is really worth? There are a variety of resources you can use to determine its value. These resources offer an impartial estimate, but their listings are just that - an estimate. Undoubtedly, your car will fit into a range of values.  Here are some sites to explore.
 
Black Book Online
It began as a print directory of information sources used in the private investigation community. Now, it has expanded to become the largest collection of free public record searches on the Internet. It is 100% database-driven and is used for more than one million searches a month.

Visit Black Book Online, http://www.blackbookonline.info
 
Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book evolved from a price list created by Les Kelley of the Kelley Kar Company in the 1920s. The "trade" publication was initially sold to businesses in the automotive industry but became a consumer product in 1993, featuring 15 years of used car values on more than 10,000 models. It moved to the Internet in 1995 and now serves seven million visitors a month.

Visit Kelley Blue Book, http://www.kbb.com/

Edmunds.com
Founded in 1966, Edmunds Inc. published new and used automotive pricing guides for buyers. It continues to offer its resources online, providing reviews, ratings and advice in addition to pricing information. They strive "To empower automotive consumers by providing complete, clear, timely, accurate and unbiased information needed to make informed purchase and ownership decisions," as expressed in their Mission Statement.

Visit Edmunds.com, http://www.edmunds.com

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Keeping Cool This Summer

   It's July. That time of year when the sun scorches your car's metal seatbelt buckles and your thighs stick to its leather seats. Usually, a dip in the pool or a tasty frozen treat can provide that much-needed respite from the heat. Sometimes, though, the summer climate is too formidable a foe for these quick fixes.

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke become much more prevalent in the summer months. If not managed, these conditions can become life threatening.

    So how can you tell if you or someone you know might be affected? Here are some warning signs:

    
• Thirst, infrequent urination
    
• Bumps or rash on skin
    
• Cramps
    
• Swelling of hands and feet
    
• Clammy skin, paleness
    
• Dizziness, nausea

A heat stroke, the most severe heat-related condition, is a medical emergency.  Call 911 immediately if someone experiences convulsions, fainting, seizure or disorientation. Also, pay particular attention to young children and the elderly, who are most at risk in the heat.

Fortunately, heat problems are preventable. By taking the proper precautions, you can protect yourself, family and friends from these dangerous conditions.

 Most importantly, stay hydrated. When the body is dehydrated, it can no longer cool itself effectively. According to information released by the Food and Nutrition Board in 2004, women should consume 2.7 liters (91 oz.) of water daily, and men should consume 3.7 liters (121 oz.). This amounts to eight 8 oz. glasses of water for women and about 15 for men. 

When participating in physical activity, the body requires even more. Try exercising during cooler times of the day (early morning or late evening).

Avoid beverages that are caffeinated, alcoholic or high in sugar. They cause the body to lose fluid more quickly.

Furthermore, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Cotton fabrics, which are more breathable than synthetics, are also a good idea.

In terms of your home, try to avoid using appliances that generate heat. For instance, instead of using a clothes dryer, hang your clothes outside to dry. The sun will suck the moisture out of them as fast as your kid sucks Slurpees from a straw. Also, cook your food on an outdoor grill instead of on the stove. Let dishes air dry instead of using the dishwasher.

If you have an extra box fan or window air conditioner, look for opportunities to donate to local charity drives. It will warm your heart to cool someone else's home. And finally, to avoid those scorching seatbelts and that uncomfortable "leather stick," park in the shade. Look for a tree or parking garage that will shield your car from the sun's blistering rays.

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Keep Your Vehicle Looking New

Vehicles are truly an investment, and not just of funds. They also require time and care. By keeping your vehicle in good condition, you can minimize repair costs and keep the resale value high.

So how do you maintain your vehicle's appearance when it encounters road tar, tree sap and other adversaries on a daily basis? Here are some useful tips to help you fight back.

Exterior Care

Washing

Frequency
Ideally, you should wash your car every week. This might not be feasible with a busy schedule, so shoot for at least once a month.

Preparation
 Before washing your vehicle, park it in the shade and allow it to cool. This will increase evaporation time, allowing you to rinse off the soap before it dries onto the paint and causes streaks of residue. It will also decrease the likelihood of water spots. If you can comfortably set your hand on the hood, it is probably cool enough to wash. Choosing the product. Instead of using dishwashing or laundry detergents on your car's surface, use a product specifically formulated for automotive paint. Other detergents might remove wax from the surface.

Choosing the tool
Choose a soft, clean cloth, a wash mitt, a terry cloth towel or a soft bristle brush for washing. Make sure whatever you use does not scratch the paint. A sponge is a poor choice because its flat surface might drag dirt across the paint, wearing away the finish.

Washing
You should start at the top of the vehicle and work your way down. This ensures that run-off soap does not trickle onto already washed sections and dry onto the paint. Pressure washing. From time to time, it's a good idea to use a pressure washer to spray underneath the vehicle and inside the wheel wells. These places are prone to rust and corrosion. 

Rinsing
Rinse your washing tool often to prevent dirt from accumulating and being rubbed across the paint surface. When you dip your cloth or brush into the soapy water, swirl it around to remove any stuck-on grime.

Drying
When drying, use high-quality towels that do not leave behind any lint or fuzz. Once again, start at the top and work your way down, blotting the water gently off the surface.

Polishing/Waxing

Options
A good polish deepens the shine provided by waxing. It can also remove water spots, small surface imperfections and minor scratches. You can either use a polish designed for use under a separate coat of wax or a combination of polish and wax. Whichever option you choose, polish and wax immediately after washing the vehicle.

Frequency
You should wax your vehicle at least twice a year. Wax just before winter to protect the vehicle from the harsh environment and then again just before or after spring. When water stops beading on your car's surface, it is time for a new coat of wax.

Scratches
 If there are noticeable scratches in the paint, take care of those first. For small scratches, use touch-up paint or a rubbing compound. Large scratches might require a specialist.

Cooling
 As with washing, polish and wax your vehicle in the shade. Direct sunlight or a heated surface might cause uneven drying and a streaky finish.

 Application
 Use a soft, clean terry cloth towel to apply the polish/wax to the car's surface in small, even, circular motions. Work on small sections of the car at a time.Removal. Look on the manufacturer's label for the exact drying time. Usually, the polish/wax will look slightly hazy when dry. Wipe away the polish/wax with a fresh cloth, using the same motions as before. You might have to shake the cloth occasionally to remove residue.

Parking Tips

Don't park in the sun.
Long periods of exposure to sunlight can cause fading and make the paint more vulnerable to peeling, chipping and scratching.

Park by vehicles in good condition.
When parking in a lot or parking garage, examine the cars. Choose a parking spot next to other vehicles in good condition. Owners of damaged cars might not exert as much caution when opening doors as do those who make great efforts to protect their vehicles.

Bigger is better.
 Avoid parking in tight spaces. This increases the chance that your car will get bumped or scratched. If possible, park away from other cars.

Don't use your car as a shelf.
 When you are loading or unpacking the car, do not place items on the hood, trunk or roof. This could scratch the finish.

Interior Care

Routine care
On a regular basis, vacuum the floor mats, carpeting and upholstery. Dust the dashboard and console, and clean between crevices and seat cushions.

Stain removal
 To remove stains and spills on the carpet, use a carpet cleaner. Be aware, however, that some cleaners leave the carpet wet. Because car carpet is usually backed by sheet metal, the moisture could cause the metal to rust. For small stains, try using spray-on products, instead. For upholstery stains on fabric, loosen dirt with a soft-bristled brush, and clean with upholstery cleaner.

Leather
In order to keep leather clean, you should apply leather cleansers regularly. Select products designed for the specific surface. The wrong products can lead to cracking and other damage.

Now that you have removed the dirt and grime, polished away spots and scratches, and coated your vehicle with a layer of protection, it should sparkle like the day you bought it. There's nothing left to do but hit the road and show it off!

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Get A Good Night's Sleep

 Are your counting sheep worn out from jumping indefinitely over fences while you try to fall asleep? Do you toss and turn in the middle of the night or wish you felt more refreshed in the morning? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people struggle with falling and staying asleep.

In fact, one in three adults report some degree of insomnia. However, unless you are suffering from a serious sleep disorder, you can improve the quality of your sleep by making changes to your daytime habits, sleep environment and bedtime routine. Check out the following suggestions.

Daytime habits
Exercise regularly. As little as 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity a day makes it easier to fall asleep at night. You don't need to do all 30 minutes in one session, either; you can break it up into five minute segments. Furthermore, it is best to exercise in the morning or early afternoon. Exercising stimulates the body and raises its temperature, so if you exercise within three hours of your bedtime, you might have trouble falling asleep.

Don't nap. Napping during the day might make it hard to fall or stay asleep. If you must nap, do it in the early afternoon, and sleep no longer than 30 minutes.

Get some light. We all have an internal body clock that helps regulate sleep, and this clock is sensitive to light and dark. When you wake up, open the shades or go outside to get sunlight. This will send a signal to your body that the active, daytime phase has begun.

Avoid caffeine. Caffeine, a chemical in coffee, sodas, tea, chocolate, etc., causes hyperactivity and wakefulness. For some people, caffeine can cause sleep problems up to 10 to 12 hours after drinking it. Therefore, if you rely on caffeine to keep you going during the day, consider eliminating it after lunch or cutting back your overall intake.

Eat dinner at least four hours before bedtime. This will give your system time to digest the food you have eaten.

Quit smoking. Because nicotine is a stimulant, it can make falling asleep difficult. As the night progresses, smokers experience nicotine withdrawal, which makes it even harder to sleep.

Sleep environment
Room temperature and ventilation: Keep the temperature of your bedroom no higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Sixty degrees is ideal. Also, make sure you have adequate ventilation. A fan can help keep the air moving.

Humidity: Most heating systems dry the air in your bedroom, and a dry throat can make sleeping difficult. Try using a humidifier or opening a window.Bed: Make sure you have enough room to stretch out and turn comfortably in bed. Also, examine your mattress, pillows and bedding for comfort. Soft, breathable cotton sheets are a good choice.

Alarm clock: Remove your alarm clock from view. It will only make you more uneasy when you see the time ticking by, and any kind of mental fretting will make it harder to fall asleep.

Noise: If a source of outside noise cannot be eliminated, try using a fan to mask it. Or, listen to recordings of soothing sounds, such as waves, waterfalls or rain. If you choose to listen to music, select a recording that has no words, no definite melody, and little change in volume. Ear plugs are also a possibility, but make sure they don't block out important noises like an alarm clock.

Light: Sleep in complete darkness. Even the tiniest bit of light in the room can disrupt the production of melatonin and serotonin, chemicals that regulate the circadian rhythm. If curtains, blinds or drapes do not block out enough light, use an eye mask to ensure complete darkness.

Bedtime routine
Minimize liquid intake. In the two hours before you go to bed, drink less fluid than you usually do. This will cut down on trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Choose the right snack. Avoid rich, heavy foods as a bedtime snack. Also, spicy or acidic foods in the evening might cause stomach trouble and heartburn, which will worsen when you lie down. Instead, eat a light snack. Calcium helps the brain use and process tryptophan, an amino acid which promotes sleep. Furthermore, pairing tryptophan-containing foods with carbohydrates can help calm the brain and allow you to sleep better.

Avoid alcohol. Although a nightcap before bed might make you drowsy, the effect is short-lived. Drinking alcohol in the few hours before bedtime often results in shallow and disturbed sleep, abnormal dream periods, and early morning awakening.

Establish a rhythm. Teach your body to fall asleep by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Also, do the same things every night before you go to bed. This will send a signal to your brain and body that it is time to wind down.

Take a bath instead of a shower. Try taking a long, hot bath before going to bed. This will relax and soothe your muscles. A shower, on the other hand, will tend to wake you up.Relax with quiet activities. Before bed, relax by listening to quiet music or a book on tape, by reading "light" material, or by watching a mindless television show. Put your work away at least one hour before you go to bed to give your mind and body time to relax.

Keep a pen and paper handy. Put a pad of paper and a pen on your nightstand. That way, if you think of something you have to remember in the morning, you can jot it down instead of holding it in your thoughts.

Give yourself 20 minutes. If you're still awake 20 minutes after you turn out the light, get up and do something to make you drowsy. Then, go back to bed and try again.

These strategies will remedy many sleep problems, but if your inability to fall asleep starts to interfere with your ability to function normally and persists for more than a couple weeks, schedule an appointment to see a doctor or sleep specialist. Also, be aware that sleep needs vary from person to person. Some need only four hours per night. Others seem to need 10. Whatever your individual needs, getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your mental and physical health - at any age. Therefore, follow the tips listed above to make every night's sleep a good night's sleep. Your counting sheep will thank you.