Tips On Safe Highway Driving


(NC)—The number of large commercial vehicles — such as tractor trailers — on our roads has increased dramatically during the past few years. One of the best things you can do to stay safe on the highway is to learn as much as you can about how these vehicles operate. Here are some tips from Transport Canada on how to share the road safely with commercial vehicles:

• While drivers of commercial vehicles enjoy a better forward view and have larger side mirrors than most passenger-vehicle drivers, they also have more and larger blind spots. Avoid lingering in the blind spots of commercial vehicles; if you can't see the driver in their side mirror, then the driver probably can't see you.

• Trucks and buses need more time and distance than cars do to manoeuvre and stop. When driving in front of a large commercial vehicle, signal your intentions well in advance so that the driver behind has enough time to react properly.

• Truck wheels create a lot of spray in rain, slush and snow. Turn on your windshield wipers before passing commercial vehicles — you need to see clearly at all times.

• Weather conditions and even the time of day can also affect visibility — assuming that other drivers on the road can see you can be dangerous. Signal well in advance, avoid braking abruptly and leave lots of room for passing.

• Commercial vehicles need a lot of space, so watch their turn signals and give them room when they manoeuvre. Never squeeze between a turning truck and the side of the road; large commercial vehicles must sometimes swing wide to make turns, and your car might be crushed as the truck turns.

In addition to encouraging Canadians to learn safer driving habits, Transport Canada, along with the provinces and territories, is funding improvements to those parts of our national highway system that need immediate attention because of growing traffic and increased trade. These improvements, delivered through the $600 million dollar Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP), will result in a safer and more efficient highway system for all Canadians.

For more information on SHIP, and Government of Canada highway improvement programs in your area, visit http://www.tc.gc.ca.

Buying a New Car? Use Feng Shui to Select Your Success Color


With September’s arrival comes the annual car buying season. But while selecting the type of car comes easily to most people, making a decision on the color of a car can be a stumbling block. Some people simply go with their favorite color, while others mull over color choices by considering factors such as climate, type of vehicle use, or the most practical choice, going with what is least likely to show dirt. But what if even that fails? Then try feng shui. Yes, feng shui, the Chinese guide used for arranging homes and offices, can also be used for selecting colors based on an individual’s own personal feng shui.

According to personal feng shui, each person has an individual feng shui number that is based on gender and date of birth. This number, also called a “kua” number is associated with a color. By selecting the correct color for an individual’s particular feng shui number, the driver will experience better luck over all because the color is harmonized with that individual.

Use personal feng shui to select a “success” color, which can be helpful when buying that luxury sedan. More into soccer practice than boardrooms? Choose a “family” color. Both colors are determined by the driver’s kua number. To determine the driver’s kua number, and subsequently the color of car that is appropriate, use the instructions below and then check the chart that follow for selecting a success or family color. Now, who should drive the Mary Kay pink Cadillacs? Anyone with a number 3 kua number!

The calculation is as follows:

-Take the year of birth, i.e., 1971
-Add the last two years together (7+1=8)
For men, subtract the number from 10 (10-8+2); 2 is the kua number
For women, add 5 to the number (5+8=13; 1+3= 4); 4 is the kua number
For years such as 1982 which have a double digit, be sure to reduce to one number
8+2=10 (1+0=1)
10-1=9 (Kua for men)
5+1=6 (Kua for women)

Kua Number

1
Money/Success Colors: Green, Purple
Family Colors: Red, Purple, Burgundy

2
Money/Success Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige
Family Colors: Silver, Gold, White, Pearl

3
Money/Success Colors: Red, Pink, Burgundy
Family Color: Green

4
Money/Success Colors: Blue, Black, Purple
Family Colors: Dark Green, Brown

5
Money/Success Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige
Family Colors:Gray, Silver, Gold, White

6
Money/Success Colors: Gray, Silver, White
Family Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige

7
Money/Success Colors: Gold, Silver, White/Pearl
Family Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige

8
Money/Success Colors: Yellow, Brown, Beige
Family Colors: Gold, Silver, Gray, White

9
Money/Success Colors: Color Dark Green, Brown
Family Colors: Blue, Black, Purple

What's With Those Noisy Lights?



Not too long ago, you hopped in your car and turned the key. A couple of lights flashed for a second, the motor started and you were ready to go. Not true anymore. A modern car or truck has bells and whistles and flashing lights galore – most of which briefly light up or sound off, as you settle in and start the engine. So what do they all mean, and how much attention should you pay to them? Well let's find out. But keep in mind that not all vehicles will have the same type or number of lights, bells, whistles or computer generated voices. And before we start, there are a couple of key points to remember. All of these devices have the same basic purpose. To communicate with you. Sometimes this communication is about friendly advice; like your keys are still in the ignition. Most of the time, this communication is an important warning that you should acknowledge, respect and act upon. So let's start with leaving the vehicle.


Ding, ding, ding or beep beep beep – You have just left the car, the door is still open and the car is talking to you. Most likely you have left your keys in the ignition or your lights are still on. Relax. It happens to everybody.

Ding ding ding again – You're in the car and you've started the motor. For the next few seconds you hear the ding. Most likely that's because you haven't fastened your seatbelt. So buckle up right away. In fact, you should buckle up before you turn the key. This is one ding you should never hear.

Lights Galore – When you first start your car or truck all sorts of lights flash and then you never see them again. Below, we are going to talk about those lights and how you should react to them. Which is great. But what is more important is that you read your owner's manual carefully. That way, you will know exactly which lights are which, and if your car is different in any way.

Seat Belt Light – Pretty obvious. You didn't pay attention to the ding ding ding. Once again, don't do this. Fasten your seat belt for your own good.

Airbag Light – Usually orange in colour, it flashes briefly as you start the car and often shows what looks like a person holding a beach ball. If this light comes on when you are driving, take your car to your dealer as soon as possible. Your airbag system might not be working properly.

Brake Light – Usually red, it often shows a little round disk or the word "brake". It indicates that your handbrake is on and that you should release it before driving away. If the light does not go out after you have released the handbrake, it could indicate low brake fluid or a malfunction in the brake system. Call your dealer. Do not drive the car until this problem is fixed.

Temperature Light – Often looks like a little thermometer. If it goes on when you are driving it means your engine might be overheating. This can be caused by not enough coolant (antifreeze and water) or not enough oil. Stop the car to let it cool down, then add coolant and/or oil if necessary, or call for help. Always use brand name coolants and high quality motor oils like Castrol GTX or Castrol Syntec. They provide superior protection for your engine.

High Beam Light – Usually blue. Indicates that your high beams are on, which you should always be aware of. Remember, only use your high beams when necessary.

Engine Check Light – This one is a little tricky as its function varies from car to car. But basically, it is part of your engine diagnostic system and is indicating that something is malfunctioning. This problem could be very minor, like a fuel cap not properly attached, or something potentially serious. The best idea is to drive carefully to your dealer as soon as possible. But not before you have got your haircut, finished your shopping, whatever. Just don't go on any trips.

Alternator / Battery – You can drive with a dead battery and a good alternator or a good battery and a dead alternator. But not for very long. If this light comes on you have an electrical malfunction. It might be as simple as a loose engine belt, or something more serious. Attend to the problem quickly.

Oil Light – This is one of the most important lights. It indicates that oil pressure is too low. If it goes on while driving, stop the engine as soon as possible and check the oil level. Add a high quality oil like Castrol GTX if necessary. If the light stays on when the engine oil level is normal, stop the engine immediately and call your dealer for service.

ABS / Anti-Skid Light – This important light will normally flash when your ABS system is actually in use and remain off the rest of the time. Often the same light will flash if an anti-skid or traction control system is actually in use, and once again, remain off the rest of the time. If this light comes on during normal driving, your brake system might be malfunctioning and you should see you dealer as soon as possible. Note: In some vehicles you can turn off the ABS or traction control system, and the light remains on all the time.

Big Brother Lights – These convenient little guys tell you what you should already know. Which means they are possibly the best loved lights of all. They include, in no particular order, lights that warn you about things like low fuel, low windshield washer fluid, doors that are ajar, trunks that are open, defoggers that are still on, heated seats that are still hot, brake pads that are almost worn and everybody's favourite, catalytic converters that refuse to convert.

Sayonara – Some cars, trucks and SUV's aren't satisfied with beeping and dinging and flashing at you. They talk. And say things like "your fuel is low, your fuel is low, your fuel is low….." . You get the idea. And being Canadian, they talk in French and English. On that note, sayonara.
A wealth of interesting and valuable information on motor oils and lubricants can be found at www.castrolcanada.com or other well known petroleum web sites.

The Top 10 Rules of High-Mileage Car Maintenance

(ARA) - Americans are keeping their vehicles longer and driving farther than ever before. Today, the average age of vehicles on the road is greater than nine years and more than 68 percent of vehicles have more than 75,000 miles.

As a vehicle's engine ages, its performance decreases and oil starts to break down at a faster rate. Over time, seals begin to deteriorate, gaskets become brittle and oil consumption increases -- all leading to a reduction in engine performance.

Treating your high-mileage vehicle with a little TLC and consistently following the 10 rules for high-mileage vehicle maintenance will help ensure it will go the distance. Using premium motor oil specially formulated for higher-mileage cars -- such as Castrol GTX High Mileage Formulation --will also help a higher-mileage car feel young again.

Rule #1 -- Make sure you change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles -- whichever comes first. No exceptions. Think of your engine as the heart of your car and motor oil as the lifeblood of the engine. One can't function without the other, so stay on top of your oil-change schedule.

Rule #2 -- Find a good mechanic. If you don't do your own maintenance, find a shop staffed by ASE-certified mechanics (that's the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence). A good mechanic will listen to your questions and explain procedures clearly.

Rule #3 -- Have your tire pressure checked at least once a month. It's the best way to prevent unexpected flats. A service station attendant can quickly and easily perform the check. Also make sure to rotate your tires and check their alignment as part of a regular tune-up (or with every other oil change).

Rule #4 -- Pay attention to warning signs. Of course, not every little thump or ping you hear spells disaster. Cars, like people, have their peculiarities, and you are sure to quickly learn what is normal for yours. With a high-mileage vehicle, however, it's best to check out any symptom --- be it a sound, smell or feeling -- that seems the slightest bit abnormal. Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Rule #5 -- Pay attention to outward signs. If your car is leaking fluids, it can mean serious trouble. Keep an eye on the conditions of your driveway or regular parking space for stains or spots that can warn you of possible leaks. Castrol's GTX High Mileage Formulation motor oil contains special conditioners that help protect and maintain seals, thereby helping to reduce leakage -- a common problem in older, higher-mileage engines.

Rule #6 -- Schedule regular tune-ups. Even if your high-mileage car seems fine, that's no guarantee it is. Use tune-ups to ensure your car's major components are running smoothly and that they stay that way. Your oil should be changed, tires checked and rotated if necessary, belts checked and replaced, brake lines inspected, spark plugs and air filter checked and replaced, and fuel injector checked. A good way to top off a tune-up is an overall analysis of your car's engine, and undercar, safety and computer systems.

Rule #7 -- Prepare your car for the seasons. If you live in a sunny climate all year round, you can skip this step. For the rest of us, visit the "Ask the Expert" feature at www.castrolusa.com for a checklist of seasonal maintenance practices for your high-mileage vehicle. Preparing your high-mileage car to defend against the elements will lessen its chances of needing repairs and save you money in the long run.

Rule #8 -- Check your fluids regularly. It's dangerous for your high-mileage car to get dehydrated, so be sure to keep an eye on its vital fluids. Simply lift the hood and perform a quick visual check. Use the dipstick to check the oil level; a quick glance at the coolant reservoir will let you know if you need more cooling fluid.

Rule #9 -- Store it properly. Storing your vehicle in a dry, temperate location when it is not in use will prevent disastrous wear and tear on both its interior and exterior. Garage your car whenever possible to protect its looks.

Rule #10 -- Stay on top of safety features. Nothing is more important than your car's ability to protect both you and your passengers. Air bags, antilock breaks and any other additional safety features that you may have added to your car should be carefully checked on a regular basis (when your car has a tune-up) to ensure that in the event of an accident, they will perform their vital, lifesaving functions.

So You're Shopping For A Car

Whether you buy or lease, save money on the deal with tips from IHateFinancialPlanning.com

(ARA) - For many Americans, a car is the second largest purchase they make. Advertisers devote millions of dollars to convince us that we deserve to own the hottest set of wheels. The same people who used to yell, "I want my MTV!" are now shouting, "I want my SUV!"

But step inside a dealership, and confident car shoppers are like deer in headlights when confronted by aggressive sales people, confusing financing decisions and a fear of buying more than they can afford.

IHateFinancialPlanning.com, the Web site for the three out of four Americans who hate financial planning, can help sort out the financial aspects of buying and leasing cars. While you crave an SUV, you may discover that the cost of insuring it and filling its huge gas tank will blow your budget off the road.

IHFP offers the following tips to make sure you don't get caught in the headlights:

Get Your Records Straight

One of the first steps in financing a car is to get a grip on your credit rating. Unless you intend to pay with cash, you will have no secrets from the car dealership, finance company or auto insurer. A poor credit history can result in a higher interest rate or even loan disqualification. Also, bad marks on your credit could flag you as an insurance risk, translating into higher premiums.

"There are numerous resources available to help you understand and manage car financing," says Suzanne Hunstad, of IHateFinancialPlanning.com. "Armed with knowledge, you can determine if your loan will be approved, and at what interest rate, and also catch any glitches that could be making your credit history look worse than it is." Hunstad suggests contacting the major credit reporting agencies to obtain your credit report and taking steps to clean it up if necessary.

Cut Your Premiums Down To Size

Before you buy a car, find out what it will cost to insure it. Get car insurance quotes and calculate your insurance needs on the Internet. Each state has different requirements when it comes to auto insurance, and we'll leave it up to you to learn what your state requires. But every state has some sort of financial responsibility law that says you need to take care of any accidents you might have.

To Buy Or Lease, That Is The Question

When you lease, you're paying to use a car. Your payments cover the cost of the vehicle's depreciation while you drive it, rather than its purchase price. If driving a new car is more important to your lifestyle than owning one, leasing is definitely for you. However, if you put a lot of miles on a car every year, it may end up being smarter for you to buy. Consider your personal expectations and financial situation when reviewing the pros and cons of each:

Buying Offers:


A chance to trade in that old clunker.

Ownership and equity in the car.

Control of your wheels. If you want to add eight speakers or take out the backseat, go ahead.

No penalties if you don't hold up your end of the maintenance agreement, although you will want to service your car to enhance both its service to you and your ability to sell it in the future.

No mileage limits.

Payments based on the value of the car, not its depreciation. That may mean higher monthly payments than with a lease.
Leasing Offers:


A cost-effective alternative to buying a car every few years.

An affordable way to drive a car that you may not be able to afford to buy. Monthly lease payments are generally less than financing payments.

A maintenance contract that requires you to keep the car in good shape and not make any alterations to it.

A factory warranty that almost always covers the car for your entire lease, so major maintenance isn't your financial responsibility.

Annual mileage limits (about 12,000 to 15,000) with significant penalties if you put more miles on it than the lease stipulates.

Payments that may be income tax deductible if you're leasing the car for business. Ask a tax advisor for details.

Penalties if you terminate the lease earlier than agreed. Charges vary.
Financing Is The Next Step

Whether you buy or lease, be prepared to walk away from the deal if you aren't convinced you're being offered a fair price. Do some homework before you walk in -- car salespeople are amateur psychologists who'll get inside your head if you let them, all in the name of making a buck.

"If they see you drool over a leather interior or if you don't know the Kelley Blue Book value of your trade, they've got you right where they want you," Hunstad says. The Internet is a good resource for your research. Use Edmunds.com to comparison-shop and find each model's true market value, i.e. the price of the car in your area. It's usually a different number than either the invoice price (what the dealer paid) or the sticker price (what the dealer wants you to pay).

Once you've got those numbers down, try IHateFinancialPlanning.com's loan calculator to help you compare interest rates, monthly payments and overall purchase price. Don't get emotionally attached to your car salesperson or the loan officer at the car store. Keep this a business decision. Shop for the best interest rate at your local bank or credit union, or use online banking to comparison shop.

Tips On Safe Highway Driving

(NC)—The number of large commercial vehicles — such as tractor trailers — on our roads has increased dramatically during the past few years. One of the best things you can do to stay safe on the highway is to learn as much as you can about how these vehicles operate. Here are some tips from Transport Canada on how to share the road safely with commercial vehicles:

• While drivers of commercial vehicles enjoy a better forward view and have larger side mirrors than most passenger-vehicle drivers, they also have more and larger blind spots. Avoid lingering in the blind spots of commercial vehicles; if you can't see the driver in their side mirror, then the driver probably can't see you.

• Trucks and buses need more time and distance than cars do to manoeuvre and stop. When driving in front of a large commercial vehicle, signal your intentions well in advance so that the driver behind has enough time to react properly.

• Truck wheels create a lot of spray in rain, slush and snow. Turn on your windshield wipers before passing commercial vehicles — you need to see clearly at all times.

• Weather conditions and even the time of day can also affect visibility — assuming that other drivers on the road can see you can be dangerous. Signal well in advance, avoid braking abruptly and leave lots of room for passing.

• Commercial vehicles need a lot of space, so watch their turn signals and give them room when they manoeuvre. Never squeeze between a turning truck and the side of the road; large commercial vehicles must sometimes swing wide to make turns, and your car might be crushed as the truck turns.