Going Green When You Drive
Climbing gas prices and an increased focus on the effect fossil fuels have on the environment have drivers looking for ways to not only to keep costs down but also to protect the planet.
Drive Green
Vehicles that run on gasoline release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to climate change, air pollution and disease. To get better gas mileage and release cleaner emissions, drive a hybrid vehicle – these cars run on electricity, not just gas. Whether you get a hybrid or not, select a car that gets the best miles per gallon (MPG).
- Use vegetable-based biodiesel fuel in diesel cars and trucks.
- Use ethanol gas if your vehicle can use it.
- Buy an electric car or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Change Your Driving Habits
The way you drive can affect your fuel economy.
- Avoid sudden starts and stops and drive the speed limit.
- Keep your engine speeds between 1,200 to 3,000 RPMs and up-shift between 2,000 to 2,500 RPMs.
- Do errands in one trip.
- Get directions to avoid getting lost.
- Turn off your car if you will be idling for more than a minute.
Keep Up On Maintenance
Make sure you get regular tune-ups on your vehicle, including oil changes and cleaning your air filter. Don’t forget these other maintenance suggestions:
- Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires means the engine has to work harder, resulting in burning more fuel.
- Remove excess items in your vehicle – extra weight can have an effect on your fuel economy.
- Avoid using the air conditioner. Instead, open your windows, use an electric or solar fan, park in the shade or use a reflective windshield shade to keep your car cool.
Find Alternatives to Driving
- Carpool with coworkers and friends.
- Try a car-sharing program, such as FlexCar or ZipCar.
- Use public transportation, walk, rollerblade or bike to places you need to be.
- If possible, try altering your commute. Avoiding peak traffic times
can mean less gas is spent in stop and start traffic.
Did You Know?
Vehicles that get better gas mileage can save you hundreds of dollars every year. To find out how efficient your vehicle is compared to others, check out www.fueleconomy.gov.
For more information on going green when you drive, contact your auto insurance agent.
Interviews: What’s Illegal to Ask?
Federal and state laws require that questions on the job application, during the interview and during the testing process be job-related. Employers should
not ask about race, gender, religion, marital status, disabilities, ethnic background, country of origin or age. Illegal interview questions are those that single an individual out for reasons that are contrary to equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination laws. It is important to be aware of the laws to avoid legal penalties and potential lawsuits.
Technically it is not illegal to ask these questions in a certain manner, but if a question has discriminatory implications and employment is denied based on the applicant’s answer, the employer may have broken the law. The following are examples of illegal or inadvisable questions and legal or acceptable alternatives.
1. Subject: Relatives/Marital Status
Illegal: What is your marital status? What is the name of your relative/spouse/children? With whom do you reside? Do you live with your parents? How old are your children? Do you plan to have a family? How many kids do you have? What are your child care arrangements?
Legal: What are the names of relatives already employed by the company or a competitor? Are you willing to relocate if necessary? Are you willing to travel as
needed by the job? (Must be asked of all applicants) Are you willing and able to work overtime as necessary? (Must be asked of all applicants)
2. Subject: Residence
Illegal: With whom do you reside? Do you rent or own? Do you live in town?
Legal: Inquiries about address to the extent needed to facilitate contacting the applicant. Will you have problems getting
applicant. Will you have problems getting to work by 9 a.m.?
3. Subject: Pregnancy
Illegal: Questions relating to pregnancy and medical history concerning pregnancy. Do you plan on having more children?
Legal: Inquiries to duration of stay on a job or anticipated absences which are made to males and females alike. Do you foresee any long-term absences in the future?
4. Subject: Physical Health
Illegal: Overall general questions which would tend to divulge handicaps or health conditions that do not relate reasonably to fitness to perform the job. Do you have any handicaps or disabilities? What caused your handicap? What is the prognosis of your handicap? Have you ever had any serious illness? Please complete the following medical history. Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations? What was the date of your last physical exam? How is your family’s health? Have you ever been treated for a mental condition? Are you taking prescribed drugs? Have you ever been treated for drug or alcohol addiction? Have you ever filed a workers’ compensation claim?
Legal: Can you lift 40 pounds? Do you need any special accommodations to perform the job you’ve applied for? How many days did you miss from work (or school) in the past year? The questions have to relate to the job. Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations?
5. Subject: Family
Illegal: Questions concerning spouse, or spouse’s employment, salary, child care, arrangements or dependents. How will your husband feel about the amount of time you will be traveling if you get this job? What kind of child care arrangements have you made?
Legal: You may ask whether an applicant can meet specified work schedules or has activities or commitments that may prevent him or her from meeting attendance requirements. Is there any reason why you can’t be on the job at 7:30 a.m.? This job requires that you work overtime on occasion – would you be able and willing to work overtime as necessary?
6. Subject: Name
Illegal: Any inquiries about an individual’s name which would divulge marital status, lineage, ancestry, national origin or descent. If your name has been legally changed, what was your former name?
Legal: It’s legal to inquire whether an applicant has worked for the company or a competitor under any other name and to ask what name it was. Also acceptable: By what name do your references know you? Have you ever been convicted of a crime under another name?
7. Subject: Sex
Illegal: Any inquiry that relates to sex. Do you wish to be addressed as Mr., Mrs., Miss or Ms.? Do you have the capacity to reproduce? What are your plans to have children in the future?
Legal: None
8. Subject: Photographs
Illegal: Requests that an applicant submit a photo at any time prior to hiring.
Legal: Photos may be requested after hiring for identification purposes.
9. Subject: Age
Illegal: Any question that tends to identify applicants age 40 or older. How old are you? When did you graduate from college? What is your birthday? Requests for birth certificate or record are illegal before employment.
Legal: Are you 18 years of age? If hired, can you furnish proof of age?
10. Subject: Education
Illegal: Any question asking specifically the nationality, racial or religious affiliation of a school.
Legal: All questions related to academic, vocational or professional education of an applicant, including the names of the schools attended, degrees/diplomas received, dates of graduation and courses of study. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
11. Subject: Citizenship
Illegal: Asking whether an applicant is a citizen or requiring a birth certificate, naturalization or baptismal certificate. Any inquiry into citizenship that would tend to divulge an applicant’s lineage, descent, etc. Are you a citizen of the U.S.? Are your parents or spouse citizens of the U.S.? On what dates did you, your parents and/or your spouse acquire U.S. citizenship? Are you, your parents or your spouse naturalized or native-born U.S. citizens? What is your native tongue?
Legal: Questioning whether applicant is prevented from lawfully being employed in this country because of visa or immigration requirements is illegal. It is legal to ask an applicant to provide proof of citizenship (passport), visa and alien registration number after hiring. If you are not a U.S. citizen, do you have the legal right to remain permanently in the U.S.? What is your visa status (if no to the previous question)? Are you able to provide proof of employment eligibility
upon hire? Are you authorized to work in the U.S.? What languages do you read, speak or write fluently? (Ability must be relevant to performance of the job).
12. Subject: National Origin/Ancestry
Illegal: What is your nationality? How did you acquire the ability to speak, read or write a foreign language? How did you acquire familiarity with a foreign country? What language is spoken in your home? What is your mother tongue?
Legal: What languages do you speak, read or write fluently? This is only legal when the inquiry is based on a job requirement.
13. Subject: Race or Color
Illegal: Any question that directly or indirectly relates to a race or color. What is your race? What is your complexion?
Legal: None
14. Subject: Religion
Illegal: Any question that directly or indirectly relates to a religion. What religious holidays do you observe? What is your religious affiliation?
Legal: Can you work on Saturdays? (Only if it is relevant to the job.)
15. Subject: Organizations
Illegal: To what organizations, clubs, societies and lodges do you belong?
Legal: To what professional organizations do you belong which you consider relevant to your ability to perform this work? (Exclude those names that indicate the race, religious creed, color, national origin or ancestry of its members. These inquiries must only relate to the applicant’s professional qualifications.)
16. Subject: Military
Illegal: The type or condition of military discharge or an applicant’s experience in anything other than the U.S. Armed
Forces. A request for discharge papers is illegal. Were you honorably discharged? In what branch of the Armed Forces did you serve?
Legal: Inquiries concerning education, training or work experience in the Armed Forces of the United States. What type of training or education did you receive in the military?
17. Subject: Height & Weight
Illegal: Any inquiries not based on actual job requirements. How tall are you? How much do you weigh? What color are your eyes and hair?
Legal: Inquiries about the ability to perform a certain job. Being of a certain weight or height will not be considered a job requirement unless the employer can show that no employee with the ineligible height and weight could do the work. Are you able to lift a 50-pound weight, an essential function of the job?
18. Subject: Arrests & Convictions
Illegal: All inquiries relating to arrests. Have you ever been arrested? (Arrests are not the same as convictions. An innocent person can be arrested.)
Legal: Legal inquiries about convictions. Have you ever been convicted of any crime? If so, when, where and what was the disposition of the case? Have you ever been convicted under criminal law within the past five years (excluding minor traffic violations)? It is permissible to inquire about convictions for acts of dishonesty or breach of trust. These relate to fitness to perform the particular job being applied for.
Prepare Your Car for Winter Weather! (It’s Never Too Early!)
In the winter months, we all need to take additional steps to protect ourselves from the cold – warmer clothes, a heavy coat, a hat, mittens, a scarf and boots with good traction for the snow. It’s also a good idea to protect your car during cold months by winterizing your vehicle before the beginning of the season and looks good to your Michigan auto insurance. This is essential, as cold temperatures make it difficult for engines to work properly, snow limits tire traction and salt causes rust and gravel pits on the exterior paint.
Car Winterizing Recommendations
Consider these car winterizing suggestions before the temperature drops:
- Place snow tires on your vehicle
- Braking, accelerating and handling are tough with worn or high performance tires on slippery roads. Snow tires will increase traction and reduce your chances of slipping on slick surfaces.
- Check your tire pressure
- Properly inflated tires ensure the best possible connection between your vehicle and the road, especially in slick conditions.
- Cold temperatures cause tire air pressure to drop since gases contract when they’re cold.
- Check your four-wheel drive system for malfunctions
- Check that your system engages and disengages properly and does not make any unusual noises when you start it. Also check the gear oil levels and transmission before temperatures get too cold.
- Change the oil in your engine and check the viscosity grade
- Viscosity of oil – how thick it is – will change depending on its temperature. The colder oil is, the thicker it will become. Consequently, thick oil does not circulate through an engine as easily as thinner oil during start-up. To reduce the risk of problems with your engine oil, place thinner oil in your engine before the cold weather season.
- Have belts and hoses inspected
- Inspect wipers and refill wiper fluid
- Check your car battery
- Extreme temperatures can cause your vehicle’s battery to operate at less than 50 percent. If your battery is over three years old, have it tested.
- Check the antifreeze mixture
- The ideal mixture of antifreeze and water in your radiator is 50:50. If this ratio is off, your vehicle will not perform as well.
- Place a roadside emergency supply kit in your car
The winter may be hard on you: Dry skin, brittle hair and an increased risk of colds and the flu. It is also hard on your vehicle. Take the necessary steps to protect your car against the cold to ensure that it will last the entire season long!
Remember… try your best to avoid Michigan auto insurance claims and arrive at your destination safely. Contact your Michigan insurance agent today to learn more about how to protect your vehicle from the harsh winter conditions coming up.
15 Ways to Save Money on Gas
For 2010, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in the United States was $2.78 – and that was a record high. Because of steadily increasing oil prices, Americans fear they may be paying $7 per gallon in 2012; therefore, many consumers want to know how they can save gas – and money – right now. You’re already spending enough money in auto repairs and Michigan auto insurance, why not “cut the buck” in fuel?! These tips will help you get the most for your precious dollar:
- Walk, bike, carpool or take a bus or the subway whenever possible. Think about your daily activities. Do you drive to the store for a couple items when you can just as easily walk? Do you drive your kids to the park when the family can bike there together instead? Sit down and map out ways to use your car less, and you will see savings instantly.
- Avoid long idles. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait longer than 30 to 45 seconds. In winter, limit your car warm-ups. Idling for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.
- Lighten your load. Many people forget about how many items they may be carrying in their trunk; extra weight decreases gas mileage.
- Combine errands into one trip. Consolidate trips to destinations that are near one another. Park in a central spot and walk between locations. Plan your trip ahead of time so that you do not retrace your route.
- Only use air-conditioning when absolutely necessary. Your car’s air vents, which circulate air in from the outside, may do the trick to cool you off. Or, roll down the windows!
- Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned, and get regular tune-ups and maintenance checks. Periodic appointments with your auto repair shop can help keep you on track. To save time, ask your mechanic to check over your car while you get an oil change.
- Speaking of oil changes, make sure to get the oil changed every 5,000 miles. While experts differ on the actual mileage – some say 3,000 and others say 7,500 is often enough – it is important to schedule regular oil changes. Also, ensure that the proper grade of motor oil is being used. The wrong grade may increase the friction on your engine, using more gas.
- When buying a new car, check the gas mileage ratings of similar vehicles. Buy a fuel-efficient model in the size category that meets your needs. The government’s Fuel Economy Guide, issued annually and free of charge at all auto dealerships, compares gas mileage of similar models. You can also go to www.fueleconomy.gov to find out this information.
- Avoid high speeds. You can improve your gas mileage by about 20 percent by driving at 55 mph instead of 65 mph.
- Accelerate slowly when starting from a dead stop. Anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking.
- Remove snow tires immediately after winter weather has passed; the deep tire tread increases friction and therefore uses more gas. Your Michigan insurance company will advise keeping up with your vehicle’s performance to help prevent wear and tear.
- Park your car so that you can drive forward out of your parking spot if at all possible; going in reverse wastes a little more gas.
- Choose the best route to your destination. Sometimes it is actually more fuel-efficient to take the longer way if there is less or no stopping.
- Follow your owner’s manual for the correct octane level of gas. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), using a higher octane offers you no benefit. Unless your engine is knocking, it is a waste of money.
- Check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing clogged filters can improve your gas mileage up to 10 percent.
For more information on current and projected gas prices, check out the U.S. Energy Information Administration website: www.eia.gov
Contact your Michigan auto insurance agent for more advice on keeping your costs low.
The Safest Vehicles on the Road
Whether you’re in the market for a new family minivan or a go-anywhere sport-utility vehicle, we know safety ranks high on your list. Based on crash test information compiled by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), a nonprofit public service organization, the following list highlights the institute’s top safety picks for 2012 and for Michigan auto insurance.
Large cars
- Buick LaCrosse
- Cadillac CTS Sedan
- Toyota Avalon
- Volvo S80
- Ford Taurus
- Dodge Charger
Midsize cars
- Audi A3
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Ford Fusion
- Subaru Legacy
- Kia Optima
Midsize convertibles
- Saab 9-3
- Volvo C70
Small car
- Chevrolet Volt
- Mini Cooper Countryman
- Nissan Leaf
Minivans
- Honda Odyssey
- Toyota Sienna
- Dodge Grand Caravan
Large pickups
- Honda Ridgeline
- Ford F-150
Midsize SUVs
- Cadillac SRX
- Chevrolet Equinox
- GMC Terrain
- Cadillac SRX
- Ford Edge
- Ford Explorer
- Lincoln MKT
- Dodge Journey
- Mercedes GLK
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Sorento
- Subaru Tribeca
Small SUVs
- Jeep Patriot
- Honda CR-V
- Subaru Forester
- Volkswagen Tiguan
The Highway Loss Data Institute evaluates the safety of vehicles based on frontal crashworthiness, side-impact and rear crash protection. For full testing details, visit www.iihs.org. For the full list of 2012’s safest vehicles visit www.iihs.org/ratings
If you are purchasing a new vehicle, make sure you have collision and comprehensive auto coverage, and gap insurance at the best rate possible.
Contact your Michigan insurance agent today to learn about auto policy coverage and ways to reduce your roadside risks.
Saving at the Pump!? It is Possible!
Prices at the pump affect everyone, and if you own a vehicle, you should be concerned about rising costs. With prices at record-setting levels, the cost of gas is a major concern for everyone, from those with a lengthy work commute to those keeping up with busy family activities. With all the worry about escalating gas prices, and even if prices stabilize in the near future, there’s never been a better time to adopt a few positive habits that will help you save at the pump. You’re already spending enough to keep your car’s Michigan auto insurance policy, why not save money on your fuel economy.
- Walk, bike, carpool or take public transportation when possible. If you drive to the store to pick up only a few items or insist on taking the car to the park with your children, consider alternative means of transportation for close destinations. Map out ways to use your car less to see major savings. Check out the following two-part blog on how car pooling can save you more than just fuel: www.oaklandcompanies.net/about-us/our-blog/Car_Pooling_and_Your_Michigan_Auto_Insurance_-_Part_1
- Avoid long idles. Turn off your engine if you anticipate waiting longer than 30 to 45 seconds. During cold weather months, limit the time that you let your car warm up. Idling for only one minute consumes the same amount of gas that is required for starting your engine.
- Lighten your load. Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle, as extra weight decreases gas mileage.
- Plan your trip ahead of time. Consolidate your trip to places that are close to one another. Park in a centralized location and walk to your various destinations. Also use the route that requires the least amount of stopping, even if it’s a slightly longer route.
- Open the windows. Instead of blasting the air conditioning on a hot day, open the windows or use your car vents, which circulate outside air. The A/C uses gas to run.
- Keep up on tire maintenance.Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned, and get regular maintenance checks. For more information on keeping your tires maintained, check out the following blog: http://oaklandinsuranceblog.net/2012/08/17/is-it-time-to-replace-those-tires/
- Get your oil changed. Stay up-to-date on oil changes; they should be done every 3,000 miles. Also, ensure that your mechanic is using the proper grade of motor oil. The wrong grade can increase the friction on your engine, which uses more gas.
- Avoid high speeds. You can improve your gas mileage by approximately 20 percent by driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph.
- Accelerate slowly from a dead stop.
- Remove snow tires. When the need for snow tires has passed, remove them. Their deep treads increase friction and use more gas.
- Use the right octane level. Unless your engine is knocking, use the octane level recommended in your owner’s manual.
Considering buying a new vehicle? Then you have some homework to do!
Before making a purchase, check the gas mileage ratings of similar vehicles that you are interested in. Then, purchase a vehicle that is fuel-efficient in the size category that meets your needs and wants. Visit www.fueleconomy.gov for gas mileage comparisons of similar models.
If you have questions about your auto policy coverage or would like more auto loss prevention tips, contact your Michigan insurance agent.
Is It Time to Replace Those Tires?
Your car’s tire performance is essential to both its safety and its efficiency and what helps prevent a risk on your Michigan auto insurance policy. Tires eventually lose traction and braking ability, and should be replaced when necessary. When your tires are in tip-top shape, they ensure that you stay safe behind the wheel!
Do Your Tires Need Replacing?
Here’s how to determine if you need to replace your tires:
- Inspect tread wear bars. These are small bridges that form between your treads. If you look at your tread pattern and notice the beginnings of these bars starting to form between the treads or running across the tires, and then become flush with the tires’ tread, you should replace your tires.
- Conduct the penny test by placing the coin upside down with Lincoln facing you in the center of the tread.
- If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head or the metal above it, replace your tires immediately.
- If Lincoln’s hair is partially visible, start comparing tire prices, as you will need new ones soon.
- If you cannot see the top of Lincoln’s hair (tire tread should be as deep as his forehead, your tires do not need replacing yet.
Your Michigan insurance company can provide you with a list of competitive tire suppliers in the local area. It is highly recommended that you go with someone reputable since the tire is what keeps your gas mileage down and you moving right along.
Other Tire Tips
- Rotate your tires from the front to the rear in pairs.
- If you drive a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle, replace all four tires when it is recommended in your service manual. The differences in tire diameter can cause permanent damage in your differentials if you do not do so.
- If you notice uneven wear on your front tires, your front end may be out of alignment. Have them checked and rotate your tires to the rear of the vehicle. This should correct the problem.
- Since tires do not wear evenly, perform the penny test at several points from the outside to the inside of the tires. As a general rule, tires will wear more on the inside but over-inflated tires will wear more in the middle.
- Test and replace your tires at the same time. If you drive with mismatched tires, you will not have the level of safety, performance and efficiency that a matched pair provides.
- Always keep your tires properly inflated.
If you notice that your tire wear is extremely uneven or that your tires have worn out much faster than you expected, visit a competent auto shop. They will check your suspension and make any necessary corrections before replacing your tires.
To learn more about our automobile insurance coverages for new or used vehicles, contact your Michigan insurance agent today!
Don’t Get Swept Up When Car Shopping
When purchasing a vehicle, especially a used vehicle, there is a risk of buying a car or truck that has flood damage. This is an even more prominent issue since the 2005 hurricane season, in which more than one million vehicles were damaged in the storms. After that hurricane season ended, many of these damaged vehicles were cleaned and transported to other parts of the country to be sold to consumers who were none the wiser. Remember, whatever you purchase will be valued and can skyrocket your Michigan auto insurance if the condition is questionable.
Signs of Damage
Vehicles damaged by floods can have engine, fuel, transmission, brakes, interior climate and other control system damage. Beyond that, the vehicle may look like it is in good condition from the outside, but moisture inside can have devastating effects that can lead to problems with:
- Electronics, such engine controls or brake signals
- Dashboard rotting
- Airbags and safety sensors
- Interior upholstery, carpeting and roof
Check Before Buying!
To lessen your risk of buying a flood-damaged vehicle, and for the sake of your Michigan insurance, take these buying guidelines into account:
- Check the title history of the vehicle.
- Inspect the interior and engine compartment for any evidence of water.
- Be wary of a vehicle that was recently shampooed.
- Look for water residue or stains from evaporated water under the floorboard carpet.
- Look for rust on the inside of the vehicle and under the carpeting. Inspect the upholstery for fading.
- Look out for musty smells in the inside of the vehicle and in the trunk.
- Check for rust on screws in the console area where water would not normally reach, unless submerged in water.
- Look for mud and grit behind wiring harnesses and around the starter motors, power steering pumps and relays.
- Inspect the wiring system.
Safety First
Unlike the purchase of a new vehicle, most states’ lemon laws do not apply for purchases of used vehicles. In addition, many states do not require a grace period on used purchases as well. Therefore, you must thoroughly inspect a used car or truck before deciding to hand over your money and sign on the dotted line.
Contact your Michigan insurance agent to learn more about auto insurance coverages for new or used vehicles.
Be Cautious When Buying Used
In the market for a new set of wheels, or, new to you, that is? If so, tread lightly because buyers can be taken for a ride if they are not careful and can also be costly to insure under a Michigan auto insurance policy. To avoid purchasing a car with hidden problems, consider the following buying precautions:
Buyer Beware!
- Excessive wear and tear in the interior, regardless of what the odometer says, is a clue that the car has seen some miles. Look for:
- Brake pedal pad worn through the metal beneath
- Driver’s seat outer edge is worn through.
- Water leaking directly under the floor mats.
- Damp, musty odors are indications of leaks in the windshield, weather stripping or heater core.
- Cars that ride lower in the front as compared to the back indicate worn springs.
Safety First
Do not be fooled by the mileage on the odometer!
To see if the instruments have been tampered with, look for fingerprints or scratches inside the plastic covering. Mile numbers that don’t line up properly on the odometer offer another fraud clue. This may be a crude attempt at getting you to buy a vehicle that has far more miles (and problems) than what the low mileage would suggest. Here are some suggestions from Michigan insurance companies to look for before the official “It’s a deal” handshake:
- Vehicles that bounce when pushed on indicate worn shocks and struts.
- Tires with worn outer edges from the front end represent the need for an alignment.
- Clanking noises when the vehicle is in gear point towards a problem with the drive shaft universal joints.
- Repainted body panels. Check this by looking at the colors of adjoining panels to see if they match the front fender.
- Motor oil that is not full indicates that the engine may be leaking or burning oil.
- Knocking and ticking sounds that increase as the engine speed increases represent major problems and costly repairs.
- Transmission fluid that is black or brown may indicate internal damage.
- Banging, grinding or squeaking noises indicates a damaged or broken transmission mount.
Whether new or used, buying a car is an investment. Make sure yours is properly protected by calling your Michigan insurance agent.
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