Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, AAA Carolinas will begin to broadcast a graphic anti-texting video on cable television.

In a press release sent out by AAA, the video will begin airing June 30 in hopes of educating Carolinians the possible consequences of texting while driving.

“This video may shock some viewers and that is the intent: to create a lasting impression that texting while driving is deadly,” said Thomas Crosby, president of the AAA Carolinas Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Read More:MYNC.COM

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Hot wheels: The top five muscle cars of summer


(ARA) – Baseball, barbecue, pool parties – when you’re tallying ways to celebrate summer, don’t overlook one uniquely American invention that some devotees say is the epitome of summer fun – the muscle car.

“Summer and muscle cars go together perfectly,” says Steven Magnante, former technical editor of “Hot Rod” magazine. Magnante will be SPEED’s on the block reporter during the Inaugural Barrett-Jackson Orange County Collector Car Auction in Costa Mesa, Calif., this summer. “Summer is a time for enjoyment. Winter snow and frigid temperatures become distant memories when you’re motoring along in a high performance car on a sunny summer afternoon.”

If you’re lucky enough to have a muscle car in your garage, summer is certainly the perfect time to roll it out. If you’re an admirer but not an owner, you’ll find plenty of collector car auctions, auto shows and TV programs (SPEED will show 18 hours of live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson event) to indulge your interests this summer.

“America was the perfect breeding ground for the muscle car phenomenon,” says Magnante, who has hosted “Off-Road Adventures TV” and “Classic Car Restoration” on cable’s DIY Network. “We’ve got the best primary and secondary roads in the world, vast expanses between major cities and towns and a higher level of prosperity. Add in our free spirit, quest for individuality and competitive nature, and the arrival of high-performance passenger cars was inevitable.”

Here are Magnante’s picks for the top five muscle cars of summer:

5. 1983-’93 Mustang GT Convertible

“Many of us just can’t afford to spend what it takes to obtain a classic ’60s muscle car,” Magnante says. “But if you can get past the somewhat dated styling, any 1983 to ’93 Mustang GT convertible will bring you endless smiles without draining your wallet. Clean 5.0 drop tops are easy to find for under $7,500 and make great budget-conscious, summertime-fun machines.” A 5.0 liter engine makes the GT a great performer. The 225 horsepower 1987 Mustang GT was a 14-second drag strip performer, capable of running with some of the Mustang greats of the ’60s.

4. 1968-1974 Big Block Corvette Roadster

“Some say it’s a sports car and doesn’t belong in the muscle car category, but any car that can smoke tires at 60 mph, run 13s at the strip and strike fear into the hearts of Street Hemi owners is a muscle car,” Magnante says. Big block ‘Vettes with V8 engines deliver 427 cubic inches of brutal performance. Though earlier cars (pre-1971) were less encumbered by smog controls and reduced compression (for compatibility with unleaded gas), even a de-tuned ’74 454 roadster (270 horsepower) has plenty of torque for excitement when you mash the gas pedal – especially when coupled to a four-speed stick.

3. 1968-1975 Plymouth Road Runner

“Plymouth went fishing in the shallow end of the marketplace by pricing the original Road Runner below $3,000 ($2,870 for a stripped pillar coupe),” Magnante says. Plymouth kept the price low by doing away with frills like power windows, bucket seats and air conditioning. A very potent 335 horsepower 383 big block engine and rugged four-speed manual transmission were standard equipment. “With no exaggeration, it was the first muscle car that was affordable to the average teenaged supermarket checkout clerk,” he says.

2. 1965-1970 Mustang High Performance Convertible

“This selection is only valid for Mustang convertibles built with the top engine option for its respective year,” Magnante says. “Mustangs built with lesser engines are fun to drive, but do not qualify as muscle cars.” In 1966, Ford produced 72,199 Mustang convertibles – the peak year of production for the model.

1. 1964-1971 Pontiac GTO Convertible

“Experts will always argue about who invented the muscle car,” Magnante says. “Controversy aside, nobody can deny that the 1964 Pontiac GTO was the first mass-produced Detroit muscle car to really get the mix of image, marketing and performance just right – and spawn a host of would-be imitators from every competing make.” The car was so successful that although Pontiac expected to sell just 5,000 of them in 1964, by the end of the year Americans had driven 32,450 GTO convertibles off the lot … and a legend was born.

“For summertime enjoyment, nothing beats a GTO convertible (preferably with a 4-speed stick), so let’s call it No. 1 on our list,” Magnante says.

To see more amazing muscle cars, classics and great vehicles, tune in to the Barrett-Jackson Orange County Collector car auction June 25 to 27 on SPEED. Log on to www.speed.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Make a resolution to cut automotive costs in the new year

(ARA) – An annual tradition, Americans have their minds on resolutions for the New Year. While most hope to loosen their pants, others try to tighten their belt. Whether it is through eating out less, shopping less or traveling less, most try to cut costs in their life, timed to the change in the calendar.

Your vehicle can be a great “vehicle” to save money in 2010. By implementing some simple tips, you can save some serious cash in the New Year by paying attention to your vehicle’s health.

After their homes, most Americans’ second-largest financial investment is their vehicle, so helping it stay in good working order for as long as possible should be a top priority. But, since money is often tight in the given economy, you may be reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that you think can be put off at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle, decrease its fuel efficiency or even put you and your family at risk.

To be prepared for the winter months ahead, here’s a simple checklist of tips you should perform to help keep your vehicle running longer, safer and more cost-effectively:

* Check that tread: The economy has forced many to postpone tire purchases, but with the current winter conditions and unpredictable wet spring weather ahead, now is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of moderately priced tires that offer the all-season traction and long tread wear consumers have come to expect, but with enhanced rolling resistance to help save money on gas. For example, the proprietary tread compound used in Goodyear’s new Assurance Fuel Max tires helps save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.

* Watch for inflation: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.

* Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle’s air filtration system and could be robbing it of as much as 10 percent in fuel efficiency.

* Keep it clean: Consumers’ cars, trucks or SUVs are likely weathering the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the car’s finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for handling a car’s finish as regular dish soap will actually break down your wax and could harm the underlying paint.

* Keep it flowing: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, helping to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Defer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.

For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyeartires.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips for Road Trips With Pets

(ARA) – Bringing the family pet along on a road trip may seem like a good idea – you don’t have to ask friends or family to look after your pet and you can avoid the costs and concerns that go with boarding and kennels. But traveling with pets in the car also brings special challenges that, fortunately, can be met with a bit of forethought and careful preparation of both the vehicle and pet.  

According to information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which recently teamed with Subaru of America to produce a brochure on pet travel tips, bringing a pet along on a road trip simply involves adapting your routine to the road. All of the things you take into consideration at home – your pet’s health, happiness and safety – should be thoughtfully addressed when traveling with your pet.  

Here are 10 helpful tips for road-tripping with pets from the AVMA and Subaru:

* If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip so it will feel confident that a car outing does not necessarily mean a trip to the veterinarian or an unpleasant destination.

* Cats should always be confined to a cage or in a cat carrier to allow them to feel secure and prevent them from crawling under your feet while you are driving.

* Dogs riding in a car should not ride in the passenger seat if it is equipped with an airbag, and should never be allowed to sit on the driver’s lap.

* See your automotive dealer for pet accessories designed specifically to fit your vehicle, such as compartment dividers that separate pets and cargo from the passenger area. Several automobile manufacturers, including Subaru, offer a dog guard/compartment divider that keeps pets safely in the rear cargo area of station wagons, “crossover” vehicles and SUVs.

* Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt or other debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.

* Give small portions of food and water. Plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet’s traveling supplies.

* If your dog has a problem with carsickness, your veterinarian can prescribe medication that will help the dog feel comfortable during a long car trip.

* Pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, phone numbers for your veterinarian, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital at your destination, as well as a national poison control hotline.  

* In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet’s collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.

* Perform a daily “health check” on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet’s appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.
As you can see, a little planning and a carefully prepared vehicle can make all the difference between a good time had by all and a road trip filled with regret.  

To download a color copy of the AVMA/Subaru Traveling With Your Pet brochure, visit
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.pdf.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

RALEIGH – Raleigh police say Dillard Roe Johnson stole gas cards from an engineering company, then hung around gas stations offering motorists fill-ups for $20 a pop. Now police are trying to track down everyone who took advantage of the special offer — possibly hundreds of people.

Johnson, 27, of 507 Dacian Drive was charged Thursday with three felony counts of financial card fraud, three felony counts of breaking and entering into a motor vehicle and one count of financial card theft, according to a Wake County jail spokesman. Police said he broke into work trucks at Bass, Nixon and Kennedy in West Raleigh over the weekend.

Company president Ed Davenport said whoever stole the cards set up an illicit gas business at Triangle gas stations. “By Monday morning, $23,000 worth of gas had been charged on the cards,” he said.

Scott Wilson, the firm’s survey manager, said the cards were used more than 300 times at more than two dozen gas stations in Raleigh, Smithfield, Morrisville, Wake Forest and Youngsville. Gas purchases ranged from $5 to $400, with most falling between $50 and $100.

“He would stay at some stations for more than an hour, moving from pump to pump,” Wilson said.

Bass, Nixon & Kennedy officials learned of the break-ins Sunday morning. Wilson said they were not too concerned because the thieves did not have the cards’ activation numbers. Wilson said he isn’t sure how someone gained the cards’ numbers, though at some stores an activation number isn’t needed to purchase gas at the pumps.

Johnson confessed to the break-ins and card thefts, according to a search warrant made public Thursday.

Read More:News & Observer

Inexpensive electric vehicles, like the Zap truck, eliminate expensive fuel costs.

(NewsUSA) – What’s the best way to save money on gas? Stop buying gas and use electric cars.

According to a new AAA survey, gas prices are becoming a chief concern for consumers. But for Americans with long commutes, walking and biking between work, home and children’s soccer games might not be a viable option.

Electric cars – the ones that run without gasoline engines – are no longer science fiction.

One electric car maker, Zap, has put affordable electric cars and trucks on the market. Zap vehicles use rechargeable batteries and plug into standard outlets. All you do is plug it in like a cell phone.

These vehicles are even becoming a viable option for dealerships to stimulate sales in a down economy. Zap cars provide a gas-free way to get to work, pick up the kids and run errands. They also make an economical addition to your business or government fleet.

Zap city cars and trucks might cost around $11,000, while electronic scooters sell for as little as $3,000. Along with their low initial cost, electric cars also save drivers money on the roads. You can even qualify for 100 percent financing on these vehicles.

As gas prices climb, more Americans are spending over $60.00 just to fill their vehicles’ fuel tanks. Recharging an electric car costs around 60 cents.

According to the California Air Resources Board, a person driving an electric car for 30 miles each day can save 750 gallons of gas – and around $2,500 – each year.

Electric vehicles have no tailpipe exhaust. They don’t emit greenhouses gases. Even after factoring in the pollution from electric power plants, electric cars still cause 90 percent less pollution than gasoline-powered cars.

State and federal governments understand electric cars’ value. Many offer financial incentives for people purchasing electric cars.

Electric cars can include a solar option that helps save even more. Solar panels can extend your range if parked on a sunny day and can double the life of the battery before it needs replacing. Plus, nothing makes an environmental statement like a solar-charged electric car.

Zap dealerships are being set up across the U.S. To find one or to register to test drive a Zap, call 800-251-4555 or visit www.zapworld.com.

New services allow drivers to get body repairs and paint jobs on their cars without leaving their driveways.

(NewsUSA) – A minor accident in a parking lot, a too-close encounter with another car’s door. Small dents and scratches hurt cars’ resale value, but few owners make repairs.

When damages cost less than their deductible, many drivers would rather pay out-of-pocket than see an increase in their insurance rates. Other car owners simply feel too busy to take their vehicle to a collision repair shop, where they might be expected to leave their car for several days.

The average driver keeps their car for nine years. Minor accidents are on the rise, and yet, dent and scratch repair work remains stagnant. Many people simply cannot pay increased insurance premiums or take precious time from their busy schedules. So, minor dings, dents and scratches remain eyesores on people’s cars.

But new companies have perceived a need and taken steps to fill it. One company, “Collision on Wheels, We Come to You!,” started out as a traditional body shop. Since becoming a mobile body shop on wheels, the company has become a national franchise.

The company sends qualified technicians to people’s homes, where they provide same-day paint, scratch, dent and minor collision repairs. Their technicians use the same equipment found in any indoor body shops and use protective covers when it rains or snows. Collision on Wheels uses high-quality, environmentally safe paints. Technicians can repair most minor dents, scratches or abrasions within half a day.

The company does support insurance claims. Although many repairs cost less than deductibles, car owners often choose to skip the paperwork, adjustments and other hassles for the sake of a dent-free car.

Collision on Wheels provides a great option for busy Americans who have little time to visit a traditional body shop. Repair of small dents and dings before selling or turning in a lease can also increase resale value.

Small accidents happen. The good news is that a scratch or dent that happens in two seconds doesn’t mean having to leave your car in a body shop for days anymore. With services like Collision on Wheels, drivers can get body repair and paint service from their home or office.

For more information, visit www.collisiononwheels.com.

(ARA) – The most dangerous risk most people face at work is getting their tie caught in the copy machine. Not Bill Gratzianna. He and his wife Marci own the Chicago-based O’Hare Towing and Recovery. He knows first-hand that accidents happen and cleaning up isn’t for the faint of heart.

While most people are familiar with the tow truck if their car breaks down or if they’ve parked illegally, the towing and recovery business can be a very dangerous one. According to the Tow Truck Association of America, more than 60 operators are killed on the job each year. Some reports put the number as high as 100.

The crew from O’Hare Towing puts their lives on the line during each recovery–and they respond to more than 200 calls each day. “This is a very dangerous job,” says Bill. “We lose a lot of towing operators on a regular basis…every response is delicate and can be volatile.”

Calls may be as mundane as a flat tire on the side of the road or cleaning up the remnants of a major wreck. “Seeing teen bodies being pulled out of a wrecked car after drinking and driving will haunt me forever,” says Katie Gratzianna, Bill and Marci’s 16-year-old daughter.

Keeping a busy towing business functioning in the middle of chaos is in Bill and Marci Gratzianna’s blood. Their parents are in the business and Bill’s brother (who also happens to be married to Marci’s sister) owns a rival shop. The best thing about the job, says Marci, is working with her family.

A typical day at O’Hare Towing and Recovery includes 12-hour shifts filled with adrenaline, accidents, yelling and lots of coffee and doughnuts.

“This is a world similar in many respects to that of a major urban firehouse,” says Robert Ecker, vice president of programming for SPEED. “Until the phone rings and that emergency call comes in, there’s simply no way of knowing what any given day will bring and when it does come, lives can literally hang in the balance.”

Viewers can follow the Windy City’s toughest (and most colorful) towing family as their new show “Wrecked” debuts on SPEED July 17 at 10 p.m. Eastern/9 p.m. Central. The show is Bill’s latest pride and joy. “We gave them the ammo for the best tow show ever,” he says.

For more information or for a programming schedule, visit www.SpeedTV.com

Proper maintenance from a professional shop with certified technicians can help drivers pump up their fuel efficiency.

(NewsUSA) – When gas prices rise, Americans start feeling a pinch where it hurts -; in their pocketbooks.

But gas prices are no reason to stay home. AAA has some useful tips to help maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

First, perform basic vehicle checks that will help maximize your miles per gallon:

- Check your air filter twice a year. A dirty filter reduces performance and increases fuel consumption.

- Check your tires monthly, and inflate to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires not only increase fuel use, they are a safety hazard.

Second, listen when your vehicle tells you something is wrong. Take your car in for service right away if you experience:

- Engine bucking, surging, stalling, misfire or poor performance. These symptoms indicate a problem that is wasting fuel.

- The “check engine” light comes on. This means exhaust emissions are too high and fuel economy is too low.

Third, consult your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance needed to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Have those services performed by a shop with certified technicians who can spot other problems that may affect fuel consumption.

Looking for a good shop? Visit the automotive page of www.AAA.com to find local AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities that meet and maintain high standards.

Finally, AAA reminds motorists that how you drive has the single greatest impact on how much fuel your vehicle burns. Fuel-saving habits to consider include:

- Maintaining a steady speed. Cars require extra fuel when they accelerate, so avoid quick starts and stops that waste gas and are harder on vehicle components.

- Lightening your load. Don’t haul unneeded items in your vehicle; their added weight will increase fuel use.

- Traveling at moderate highway speeds. Higher speeds require more power and fuel to overcome air resistance.

- Using the air conditioner conservatively. Air conditioning requires lots of power. In cool weather around town, turn the air conditioner off, and open your windows. In hot weather or on the highway, set the air conditioning to a higher temperature. Where available, use “economy” or “recirculation” settings to reduce air conditioner operation and minimize the amount of hot outside air that must be cooled.

Elite engine builders use simple techniques, like upgrading oil, to increase horsepower without spending much money.

(NewsUSA) – Today’s top engine builders know how to get extra horsepower from their cars without spending extra money.

At the 2008 Engine Masters Challenge, engine builders will put their engineering and mechanical skills to the test, working to make a normal, V-8 passenger car engine more powerful.

But you don’t need engine-building skills to get extra horsepower. These tips will help car owners looking to increase their horsepower without increasing spending:

- Upgrade your lubricants. Friction and heat from the engine and the drive train rob horsepower, leading to poorer engine performance. Reducing the power lost proves easy – simply upgrade to one of the high-performance lubricants now available.

In a recent test by Horsepower TV, upgrading to high-performance motor oil freed up to eight horsepower in a V8 engine.The test video can be found online at www.royalpurple.com.

- Replace or upgrade your air filter. In the engine, dust and other materials cause excessive wear and operating problems. Air filters need to be replaced regularly.

Upgrading to a high-performance air filter, which costs little and only takes five minutes to install, can free up an additional two to three horsepower.

- Use higher octane gas or an octane booster. Depending on your vehicle, high-octane gasoline can increase its horsepower.

Some people might not mind spending extra pennies at the pump for increased power. But upgrading to high-octane gas won’t always yield noticeable results.

For those who want a more measurable increase in power, a racing blend of gasoline will work well. Octane boosters, another solution, can be bought at auto parts stores.

Upgrading your gas, lubricants and air filter will increase horsepower without requiring an expert or becoming expensive. Better yet, improving performance will extend the life of your engine and help prevent the need for expensive repairs.