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(ARA) - Vintage car shows across the nation draw both the young and old. They're a great place to tell stories about these older vehicles, to check out the restoration work inside and out, and no one can resist watching a parade of colorful classic cars as they cruise down the street.

Have you ever wondered how these classic car owners maintain and store their vehicles, in between shows? Storing a vintage car can be tricky - adding unnecessary miles (driving to and from a specialist to keep the vehicle 'in tune') could decrease the car's value and risk further damage.

One of the ways to ensure that an antique car remains in pristine condition is to store it properly. If the car is indeed "antique," it has probably remained unused for long periods of time. Inactivity is not good for any car; a myriad of problems can occur, including rotting rubber, rusted metal, blistering paint, mildewed upholstery, locked brakes, dead batteries and cracked fiberglass.

The key to storing one of these classic cars is finding a secure, convenient self storage facility, according to Mike St. Clair, district manager for Extra Space Storage.

"Climate-controlled storage units can help preserve all of your antiques. The ability to control the temperature inside the unit compensates for atmospheric fluctuations and temperatures extremes," says St. Clair, who has leased dozens of San Jose, Calif. storage units to both residential and business customers for more than 20 years. St. Clair suggests the following quick "checklist" when evaluating self storage facilities for your valuables and antiques:

* State-of-the art security
* Climate-controlled facilities
* On-site management

"Ideally, you want your self storage unit to be a 'second home' for your possessions. That means feeling confident with not only the unit itself (size, cleanliness, location, etc.), but also with the self storage facility, including management and security," says St. Clair. Many of his customers have been with him for years; in fact, nearly one-third of his business is attributed to repeat customers. "Many of our clients have been with us through various stages of their lives; everything from moving kids in and out of college dorm rooms to storing furniture when they become 'empty nesters' - and everything in between. We almost become part of the family.

"Whether you are storing antique cars or family heirlooms, your things are valuable to you. You want your treasures to emerge from storage just like they went in, so it is important to do your homework before signing a lease on any self storage unit."

Courtesy of ARAcontent - You should follow us on Twitter

(ARA) - Even with the success of the "Cash for Clunkers" program, the auto industry is limping through the recession and most car dealers are still in need of increased sales. It may be a buyer's market, but that's no reason to let your guard down in the showroom. Experienced salespeople have one goal in mind: to put you in a new car today. And it's their job to get as much profit out of every sale as possible.

While most car salespeople are honest and forthright, says Howard Krueger, a former car salesman, others may be looking to take you for a ride. So before you set foot on the lot, be aware of sales tactics that could bait you into paying hundreds or thousands more than you should. Krueger, now an Internet auto sales manager for USAA, offers a few of the more common sales strategies:

The four square:
A salesman puts four numbers in front of you: the new vehicle price, your trade-in value, your down payment, and the monthly payment. He's looking for your "hot button." When you focus on one of the numbers (say you demand more for your trade-in) he knows he can hook you by meeting your terms on that part of the deal. Problem is, the other three numbers are already inflated to favor the dealer.

The waiting game:
"Let me go talk to my manager and see what I can do," says the salesman. It's a classic technique. After what seems like ages, the salesman returns, ostensibly exhausted from negotiating on your behalf. "My boss is willing to come down - this is the best deal we've given anyone on this car." Don't bite. The dealer's betting that the longer you sit, the more anxious you'll be to reach an agreement.

The turnover house:
Sometimes the sales manager comes to talk to you himself. Now that you're talking to the boss, you'll know you're getting the best possible deal. The truth is, the "boss" is a professional closer, brought in to win you over when the first string can't. It's not uncommon to go through three layers of sales people before you reach the dealer's true best offer.

The sympathy play:
"Hey, I need to make a little money on this deal, too," he says, citing the struggling economy or, worse, four kids to feed. It's only fair for the dealer to make a reasonable profit, but don't be guilted into paying too much. Rest assured the dealer won't knowingly lose money just to earn your business.

The now-or-never:
"This deal is only good for today," or, "there's another buyer interested in this car" - whatever the salesman's story, some dealers rely on fear tactics to rush you into a sale. You know better.

The free extras:
To sweeten the pot, your salesperson might throw in pinstriping, rust-proofing, or fabric protection at no extra cost. But unbiased experts agree that these add-ons aren't worth much, despite what the dealer usually charges for them. Your best bet is to ignore them.

Being street-smart about sly sales techniques is one thing; sticking to your guns and actually getting a good deal is another. So how can you tilt the odds back in your favor? The answer is simple: research.

The Internet has helped level the playing field for consumers. Thanks to sites like Edmunds.com and member-based resources such as USAA's Car-Buying Service, you can enter the dealership armed with more information than the salesman himself.

Not only can you research your preferred vehicle and every available bell and whistle, you can find out the dealer's invoice (also known as dealer's cost) and uncover special incentives and rebates.

It's also smart to know the fair value of your trade-in (visit Kelly Blue Book at kbb.com), get a quote for insurance on the new vehicle, and get pre-approved for auto financing. Lining up these numbers in advance simplifies your negotiation in the sales office. Still, be sure to set aside plenty of time for your visit to the dealership, and avoid distractions while you focus on getting the best deal.

An even simpler approach to consider is having the price negotiated for you before you step foot on the car lot. Taking advantage of car-buying programs that offer these special member prices and services can save you time, money and the hassles of negotiations.

With solid knowledge about what you want and how much it should cost, you'll know how to spot a good deal. And all the slick salesmen in the world won't be able to change your mind.

Courtesy of ARAcontent - You should follow us on Twitter

(ARA) - The recession has made many people question their spending habits. Whether from necessity or choice, more Americans are making do with things they already own, instead of buying new. And when they do purchase, they look for value over flash.

For car buyers, that translates into an increased awareness of quality, dependability, and cost of ownership over a simple bottom-line purchase price. And for other motorists, it means getting most out of their current vehicle.

"Regular maintenance and service will help any vehicle owner optimize performance, mileage and resale value," says Martin Lawson, editorial director for the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). "Add in sensible driving habits, and the combined savings from better mileage and longer life of parts really add up."

The pros from ASE offer these tips to not only save gasoline, but help extend the life of your vehicle and its components.

* Begin by reading the owner's manual and becoming familiar with your vehicle. Keep a record of repairs and service.

* Monitor your tires. Under inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure. Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional. Properly maintained tires will last longer, too.

* Consolidate your daily trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.

* Avoid excessive engine idling. Shut off your vehicle while waiting for friends and family. Modern vehicles do not need long warm ups in cold weather. A minute or so is sufficient on cold mornings.

* Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your mileage per gallon.

* Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually. Use cruise control. (You'll help your brakes and suspension system last longer as well.)

* Remove excess weight. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage. After family vacations, make sure you remove all unnecessary items, including that rooftop cargo carrier.

* Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on - assuming that the system is in good working order. If possible, try to avoid using your air conditioner in heavy, stop-and-go traffic such as traffic jams or holiday weekend back-ups.

* Use the recommended grade of engine oil. Consult your owner's manual. And for optimal engine life, have the oil and oil filter changed according to the owner's manual.

* Keep your engine operating at its peak efficiency. A misfiring spark plug can greatly reduce gas mileage; conversely, a well-maintained engine will help you maximize the gas mileage for your specific make and model. Ignoring service engine or warning lights can result in a minor problem becoming an expensive fix.

For example, replacing a malfunctioning oxygen sensor is much cheaper than replacing a catalytic converter, which can be destroyed by an improper air/fuel mix.

* Similarly, ignoring periodic brake pad replacement can result in more expensive required work on brake rotors. Transmission problems should be addressed immediately.

* Replace all filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected at a repair facility. Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE-certified in engine performance.

For more seasonal car care tips and to learn more about the about the automotive professionals who are ASE-certified, visit www.ase.com.

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(ARA) - They are your vehicle's only connection to the road, yet most of the time your tires are the last thing you think about. Despite being viewed by many drivers as simply round and black, today's tires are more technologically advanced than ever before. As the technology in tires rapidly advances, so do consumers' options to choose the right tires to meet their vehicle needs.

Vehicle manufacturers carefully outfit their cars and trucks with particular tires that best suit each vehicle's purpose and performance. When those original tires wear out and it is time to shop for replacement tires, there are a few important steps you should take.

Know your size
Check the existing sidewalls and write down the numbers you find there, especially your existing tire size. All four tires should be replaced with ones that are the same size, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association. However, there are times when a vehicle manufacturer requires different sizes for the front and rear axles, so be sure to check your vehicle owner's manual.

Consider driving conditions
An all-season tire would probably be the right choice for a climate that experiences dry and regular wet conditions, along with light to moderate snowfall. Seasonally, winter tires make sense for those who live in areas that regularly get heavy snowfall or extended periods of icing or wintery mix conditions.

Know what you want
Do you want the quiet comfort of a luxury all-season tire? Increased puncture resistance and extreme off-road traction for rock crawling? Or is it all-season performance and increased fuel economy? Thanks to recent technological advances, today's tires can give vehicles an extra edge in all these areas.

Consider cost
You paid a lot for the technological advancements designed into your vehicle, from traction control to stability control or a sport suspension, but your tires are the only things translating those benefits to the road; if they aren't up to the task, you won't get the full benefit from your investment.

Match needs with tires
The outside of a tire can show a lot about its performance attributes. For example, large, aggressive-looking lugs with big spaces in between are generally good for off-road traction. Deep sweeping channels help evacuate water and slush from a tire to enhance traction. Many small "sipes" in a tire help create additional biting edges to enhance all-season traction.

An asymmetrical tread optimizes traction characteristics across the face of the tire, so the outside can optimize cornering grip, while the middle or inside provides stability and traction.

What's on the inside?
Today's tires feature many specialized compounds and high-tech construction techniques that give them performance attributes. Examples include unique materials such as volcanic ash for icy conditions, and reinforcements such as carbon fiber and Kevlar, which can give sidewalls extra toughness, or dampen sounds and vibrations.

The newest generation of technological innovations is helping create tires that can save money at the fuel pump. Goodyear's new Assurance Fuel Max tires use a technology to better link and distribute materials within the tire compound to improve rolling resistance without sacrificing all-season traction or tread life. The result is a fuel-efficient solution that can potentially save drivers 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of four tires. (2,600 miles based on a 4 percent fuel economy improvement, on 65,000 Mile Tread Life Limited Warranty, as compared to the standard Goodyear Assurance tire tested on P195/65R15 size - 2008 Honda Civic. Actual results may vary based on when tires are replaced, driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.)

For more helpful information on tire technology or advice on selecting the proper tire for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyeartires.com.

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(ARA) - The average car and light truck on American roads has reached a record age of 9.4 years, according to a recent survey by R.L. Polk & Co. With new car sales down, consumers across the country are looking to get the most out of their existing cars and to save money whenever possible.

However, spending a little more today on the right maintenance routine with quality products and trusted service technicians can help save money over the long run. Alan Taylor, host of the nationally syndicated show Car & Driver Radio, offers the following simple checklist of tips motorists should perform to help keep their vehicles running longer, safer and more cost-effectively:

Motor oil really does matter
Beyond regular, specified oil changes, automobile manufacturers recommend the use of high-quality motor oils that meet the latest American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications in their particular grade. Consumers should ask for quality motor oils by name because they are formulated to meet the demands of today's engines. Using a quality motor oil in the right grade can help maximize fuel economy, and help save money by preventing costly engine damage. A new, informative Web site - www.MotorOilMatters.org - answers many motor oil questions and dispels many common myths.

Regular preventive maintenance pays off
Most vehicle manufacturers have two classifications for driving conditions, "normal" and "severe," which they use to recommend how often drivers should have services such as oil changes performed on their vehicle. A driving habits survey conducted for Jiffy Lube found that more than 92 percent of motorists drive in what vehicle manufacturers consider "severe" conditions.

Regardless of the driving conditions, it's important that people follow their vehicle manufacturer's maintenance recommendations. Keeping a vehicle on its proper preventive maintenance schedule will help keep it running smoothly. For instance, the minimal investment of an oil change (generally $25-$35 for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change with conventional oil) can help drivers avoid potentially more costly repairs down the road.

Driving style can make a big difference
Aggressive driving wastes gas and can reduce gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Avoid quick or "jackrabbit" starts and stops, and observe the posted speed limits as gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 mph.

Motorists should plan their route in advance and combine as many errands as possible to minimize time on the road. Especially on longer trips, drivers should take advantage of the cruise control feature if they have it - an Edmunds.com study revealed that using cruise control at highway speeds offered an average fuel economy savings of 7percent.

Use a high-quality gasoline
All gasolines are not the same, and no matter what grade of fuel a vehicle requires, it's important to use a high-quality gasoline. Industry research confirms that a clean engine can result in better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and overall optimal engine performance. Fortunately, keeping the engine clean of performance-robbing "gunk" helps it perform better and is as easy as choosing the right gasoline. For example, Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines contain a patented cleaning system that seeks and destroys engine gunk left behind by lower-quality gasoline.

Don't lose your grip
Tires are a car's only connection to the road, so making sure they are in good shape and properly inflated is essential for automotive safety, optimum driving performance and potential cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the owner's manual. Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by around 3.3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy

Watch the weight
If it's not needed, don't take it. Check the vehicle on a regular basis and remove all unnecessary items. Every additional 100 pounds in the trunk could reduce the typical car's fuel economy by up to 2 percent, the Department of Energy reports.

Let the car breathe free
Check that the air filter isn't clogged. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve a car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. And it won't just save money; it will also help protect the engine by keeping harmful impurities out.

Regular tune ups pay off over the long term
Before taking that long trip, motorists should visit a trusted professional and make sure their car is properly tuned. Depending on the kind of repair and how well it is performed, regular vehicle maintenance can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, according to the Department of Energy.

For more information as well as helpful tips and advice, visit www.MotorOilMatters.org or www.fueleconomy.gov.

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