Meet professional NASCAR driver Deborah Renshaw heading up the advisory panel of automotive expert women for Ask Patty. The Ask Patty advisory panel of automotive women experts will respond to questions on car purchases, service and other automotive related topics. Ask Patty is what women have been waiting for, a safe place to get advice before they visit their local car dealership.
The Automobile Association of America (AAA), in partnership with the University of Florida's National Older Driver Research and Training Center (NODRTC), released its "Smart Features for Mature Drivers" program at this week's New York International Auto Show.
The program identifies vehicle features that can assist drivers with visual, physical, and mental changes that are frequently encountered as they age. The announcement addresses conditions often faced by senior adults, including diminished vision, arthritic hands, hip and leg pain, and limited upper-body range of motion, and also highlights features that best address each condition while providing examples of vehicles exemplifying those features.
"It is imperative that the specific needs of aging motorists be addressed in order for them to continue to drive safely and remain independent," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. "Smart Features for Mature Drivers provides valuable information for this growing segment of the driving population. We encourage older drivers and their families to use this as a guide in the selection of their next vehicle or evaluating their current one."
Persons over age 65 represent the fastest growing population segment in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 37 million people age 65 and older in the United States in 2006, up from 29 million in 2005. It is estimated that by 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers age 65 and older.
Elaine Masters first learned about yoga a little over thirty years ago when she started meditating. She got "serious" about yoga about six or seven years ago. She tried many different styles and studios, and studied with some incredible people. When she moved to the San Diego area, she found herself commuting a lot. With a 45 minute drive just to get her son to school, she left the house before she could do her stretches. Eventually, she started stretching in her car. And then she ran across others who stretched in their cars, too. After talking to a yoga instructor, and her ergonomic consultant/ physical therapist sister, Julie, she embarked on making Drivetime Yoga a reality.
Drivetime Yoga is a collection of movements and breathing techniques to help drivers relax and become fully present in their senses while in the car. It starts with breathing exercises, the core of yoga. Instead of distracting yourself with reading, eating, grooming or talking on the phone, you do less in the car. You pay attention to what your body is telling you.
Elaine introduces Drivetime Yoga by asking drivers if they are frustrated with the amount of time they spend in the car. She asks if they've encountered aggressive drivers, or felt like being one. And she questions if drivers feel stressed or stiff after driving, especially if they get in the car before they've exercised that day. I could answer yes to every one of those questions, even though I don't drive quite as much as I used to. My commute used to be 10 minutes in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. Now it's a more reasonable 15 minutes each way. But I probably could have used some breathing and stretching exercises when I was gridlocked 5 days a week.
Whenever someone decides to take the initiative to restore a car, it requires a serious commitment. I have seen too many people begin work and never finish. The successful car restorer chooses a car that fits his/her personality and budget, and follows the job through to the end. One must have a love for the process as well as the product, or the project will be rushed and end up to be worthless. I learned this tedious process when I was just 14 years old, barely able to perform the difficult and sometimes dangerous tasks that are required to complete a show car. I would not recommend taking the steps I did my first time, so I will outline the best method I have learned through experience.
Most restoration projects are simple vehicles to begin with, so it is not very difficult to know what is what. For those of us who do not know all the tricks or do not like to write things down I think a book is very helpful. I recommend one from the Chilton’s Automotive Guide series. These guides are available for almost any car, so finding one for your project should not be a problem. They feature blown up diagrams of the complicated systems of the car like the distributor, under-dash wiring, and engine internals. This can be very helpful in those frustrating times when there are parts strewn from wall to wall in no particular order. Mine was an integral part of the process on my 1969 Chevy project.
Did you ever go to a car dealer to buy a car... and they talked to your male partner? or they talked down to you? Did you ever feel like you got "taken" just because you were a woman?
Well, WomenCorp is here with the answers! Join us for a very special teleseminar with Jody DeVere on Tuesday, October 2, at 12pm ET, 11am CT, 10am MT, 9am PT at Womencorp.org.
Jody DeVere, President of www.AskPatty.com is THE expert on women and cars. She will answer your questions about women-friendly cars, what to look for, how to get a great deal, and even how to get car reviews that are from a woman's point of view.
I did not start out in the automotive industry. I did not have a father with a repair shop. My father was a salesman who preferred spending time at the golf course to doing any work around the house.
I had gone to college for a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. I learned in a side class that cooking was my passion! I had a fun, successful cooking and catering career for over 14 years. Then I had a child. I became one of those super moms. I cooked with the baby in a backpack, as she would come everywhere with me. Shopping for a wedding of 150 people with a baby in tow? Traveling our of state to a conference for 5 days of cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for 50 people with baby in tow? OMG! Talk about STRESS! Catering and babies don't mix!
It happens to all of us at some time or another.... Maybe you forgot to turn off your car lights (I've done that too many times to count), or maybe the parking valet spent his afternoon listening to the radio in your car (yep, lived through that too). Whatever the reason, you've turned the key to start the car and nothing happened.
Okay, don't panic. First, call the boss or the day-care center to let them know you're gonna be a tiny bit late, and then follow the easy instructions we found over at chickspeak.com. Her do-it-yourself instructions on how to jump-start your battery are easy to read and simple to follow. From helping you identify the positive and negative battery terminals, to instructing you how to connect and disconnect the jumper cables, Carrie Oleynik will walk you through the process so you can do it yourself, and pretend you're an expert at it. You might want to print them out and keep a copy in your glovebox.
Firestone Complete Auto Care Partners with Girl Scouts to teach them
how to be safe drivers when they’re out delivering those cookies
Not sure whether you’ve gotten your
cookies yet, as the official on-sale date varies depending on where
you’re located across the country, but as I sit here dipping Thin Mints
into a glass of milk, I want to share some additional information about
another Girl Scout program more relevant to our subject matter.
As families are off enjoying their summer vacations, the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, along with major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs in the United States, would like to reinforce the importance of ATV safety.
There are more than seven million ATVs in use in the United States, being operated by more than 16 million Americans. This makes it essential that riders and non-riders alike understand the importance of the safe and responsible use of ATVs.
"For many, (this) is a time to explore the great outdoors," said Tim Buche, president of the ATV Safety Institute. "Millions of Americans will enjoy this (summer seson) from behind the handlebars of an ATV.
"The ATV industry urges all riders to follow the warning labels on the vehicle, and parents to supervise riders under the age of 16," said Buche. "All riders should wear a helmet and other protective gear, not ride on paved roads, not ride under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, and not carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV."
Statistics show that the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the most dangerous time of the year for drivers. The danger peaks around the Fourth of July holidays, when Americans experience the highest number of driver fatalities, according to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
"It's a critical driving time," says assistant vice president of communications Janice Minshall, "and it's important that drivers are highly focused and attentive. We urge people, don't drive distracted."
To view information on distracted driving and other safety information, visit www.geico.com/auto/safety.
Most new vehicle manufacturers offer some level of reimbursement rebate to help fund a portion of mobility enhancements completed on new vehicles. We've compiled a list of programs offered by many of the leading manufacturers for modifications made to their vehicles.
Keep in mind there are many variables involved in obtaining aftermarket mobility equipment for vehicles. We suggest you request a copy of the Department of Transportation brochure "Adapting Motor Vehicles For People With Disabilities" by calling 1-888-327-4236 or by visiting www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
Most manufacturers place the responsibility of making the modifications on the owners themselves. General Motors'mobility site specifically states "You will be responsible for contacting an independent mobility equipment installer to have any aftermarket device installed in your car or truck. When selecting a mobility equipment installer, shop around and inquire about their qualifications, capabilities, experience, warranty and service practices. Ask for references. Ask if they are members of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), or another organization that has established vehicle conversion standards." This is good advice regardless of which make or model vehicle you own.
For assistance finding modification facilities, please contact the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (http://www.nmeda.org/) or at 800-833-0427. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is known internationally as an organization committed to ensuring quality and professionalism in the manufacturing and installation of safe and reliable mobility equipment in vehicles for drivers and passengers with disabilities.
Is your car sexy? What does your car mean to you? Do you love or hate your car? Is your car a fashion statement or a pile of junk? Ask Patty has just launched our new beta version social network for women to blog about their cars. That’s right. We want you to tell us all about your car and any car you’ve ever owned. You can tell us all the good, bad, and the ugly – we want to hear it all on CarBlabber.
And we are launching our CarBlabber Beta version of this ultra special, incredibly fun social network during the BlogHer conference in Chicago for all you lovely and talented blogging women. Register now to become a member of this unique social network about YOUR cars.
So what can you do at CarBlabber? *Create a personal car profile *Write car reviews of any car you’ve ever owned or driven or heck, even seen! * Connect with other women who love or hate the same cars as you *Read reviews of cars written by women JUST like you before you buy your next car *Join car clubs online and find other car friends! *Create your own social network by founding a car club of your very own *Rate your cars and comment on others reviews
Basically it’s about sharing and connecting in ways you can’t do anywhere else. Learn from other women like you what turns them on and turns them off about their cars. And share your own story.
Oh, and did we forget to mention that we will be giving away some goodies to some of you women who create profiles and reviews? Hmmm, well stay tuned to see what rewards you just might earn (check out the picture to the left). And trust us, they’re GOOD.
Go to: www.askpatty.com/carblabber and register now! (It’s 100% free) … go on, do it now…we you know you want to blab about your car!
Family trips invariably lead to the familiar back-seat question "Are we there yet?" To help cut back on the chants of anxious traveling children, Learning Resources, a manufacturer of hands-on educational toys, has developed several new toys that keep kids engaged during long trips while also reinforcing learning skills. How cool is that?
Regardless of whether they are in the back seat of the car, or flying alongside you on an airplane, here is a collection of toys that can help you keep your traveling little ones occupied and educated at the same time:
Prepare kids for real summer trips or pretend ones with Pretend & Play World Traveler. A world of adventure comes packed inside a sturdy suitcase, including play camera, binoculars, passport, maps, postcards, and write-and-wipe crayon pen to write home. The kit teaches about diverse cultures, natural wonders, geography, architecture, languages, and more. Ages 5-7. Retail price: $32.95.
I recently realized I misplaced my vehicle's registration renewal forms. The entire envelope with all the pertinent details just evaporated into thin air.
I feel a bit like a dodo here. As an automotive journalist, it's not a very responsible thing to be driving around with expired tags. Here at AskPatty.com, we've got all kinds of female friendly tips regarding buying and selling new and used cars, but no expert advice on what to do when you've lost your vehicle registration renewal form.
So, as a woman fluent in today's high-tech Web 2.0 world, I turned to the internet to figure out how to pay my car registration. Google is a great friend: I entered "california motor vehicles register online" and the first link of the results page took me to www.dmv.ca.gov/, where the information revealed after just one more click on "vehicle registration renewal" under the Online Services header made it look easy as pie.
When I attended the New York Auto Show back in May, I met Porsche's PR honcho Gary Fong, who told me that their statistics show more women are buying Porsches than ever before. We speculated over the various reasons for this: At first I suggested it was because the Cayenne luxury sport/utility vehicle was bringing more women to the Porsche brand, but Gary said more women are buying Porsches across ALL the model lines.
My next thought suggested that as more women climb higher up the ladder of the business world, they also strive to achieve many of the same status symbols their male peers might have. Whether it is designer clothing, a nicer home, or a more luxurious vehicle, as a woman's income increases so must her desire for high-quality and high-performance in the things she purchases.
Appropriately, Porsche is now offering a a two-day woman-only Sport Driving School (PSDS) program in September that puts women behind the wheel at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, one of the most challenging racetracks in the country while Porsche racing pros guide them through each step.
The 14th Annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals will be held on June 26, 2007, in Dearborn, Michigan, when 50 two-person teams from across the U.S. race against the clock to repair deliberately installed "Bugs" in 2007 Ford Fusions and win $6 million worth of scholarships and prizes
For the 14th year, Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills showcases the nation's best young technicians and encourages them to continue their education and pursue careers in the industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the auto industry will have an average of 34,000 job openings per year through 2014, based on growth and net replacement needs. The top 10 winning teams receive scholarships to help further their education and training as auto technicians and engineers, with the potential for substantial incomes. More than 7,500 students from all 50 states vied for the chance to be in the final competition.
After months of classroom study and hands-on practice on motor vehicles, 100 students from across the country are ready to face off in the nation's largest student automotive technician competition, the annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills.
Father/son teams, storm survivors, and returning champions are part of the contest's drama
After months of classroom study and hands-on practice on motor vehicles, 100 students from across the country are ready to face off in the nation's largest student automotive technician competition, the annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills.
Each of the 50 two-person teams gathering in Dearborn, Michigan, June 24-26 represents the cream of the crop of auto tech students in their state. They are the champions out of 7,504 high school juniors and seniors who enrolled in the competition last fall.
Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Manager Allan Stanley said, "While each team has a story to tell, several teams are competing under unusual or challenging circumstances this year. For example two teams include father-son competitors, and one of the fathers is a former national contestant. To the best of our knowledge this has never happened in previous years of the competition. Both members of the Mississippi team, who lost homes to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, overcame the effects of the storm to capture their state crown. The Maryland team is competing in memory of a beloved instructor who passed away earlier this year. The 2006 champion school from Texas is back for a second year. And schools from Oregon and Hawaii are breaking records by sending teams to the National Finals once again," he said.
Here is a little more information about some of those teams!
Automotive maintenance and repair knowledge is something we're not born knowing, it has to be learned. Women call the shots on the family car purchase and play an important role in the overall maintenance, so if you don't know much about automotive maintenance, do yourself a favor and learn it. Here are a few tips:
Begin shopping for a repair shop before you need one. By asking friends and associates for their recommendations.
By Maqueda "Maq" Hooks
(Maq as known by friends and co-workers is a recent graduate of Jones International University. Her knowledge comes mainly from a mother’s love of knowledge, research and school as well as a father who has worked in automotive industry for over 30 yrs)
Groundbreaking Held for Northwood University’s Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies
Groundbreaking for Northwood
University’s new Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies took
place Wednesday, March 21 at 11 am at the building site near the back
parking lot behind the NADA Center.
MIDLAND,
Mich. -- Groundbreaking for Northwood University’s new Sloan Family
Building for Aftermarket Studies took place Wednesday, March 21 at 11
am at the building site near the back parking lot behind the NADA
Center. The large tent which sheltered guests from the pouring rain
held numerous aftermarket friends and supporters, students, faculty,
staff, and community leaders. The building, which is expected to be
completed in March 2008, was named in honor of industry icon O. Temple
Sloan and his family who were in attendance.
In his welcoming remarks, Provost and COO Dr. Timothy Nash said,
"I want to start out by stating that dreams do come true and this
ceremony is validation of that fact!" He continued, "It is almost
uniquely American not that people work hard and make money that is
probably the cornerstone of capitalism. Rather, it is uniquely American
that people work hard to enable money to do good…creating jobs,
increasing wealth and most important and most unique - voluntarily
engaging in philanthropic acts of kindness and charity."
Dr. Nash continued, "This event is a wonderful example of the
phenomenal team of faculty, staff and students here on the Michigan
campus that, through teamwork, have allowed for this ceremony to
happen." In addition he thanked two key people who were instrumental in
bringing the project to fruition--Warren Mault, chief development
officer, and Jim John, aftermarket chair person. He also thanked former
President Dr. David Fry and President Keith Pretty for their support
and leadership.
Because of some obscure holiday onthe East Coast, Tax day has been extended from April 15 to April 17 this year. That gives me time to post this item I keep managing to overlook -- not because it's not a valid topic, but I guess I have such a mental block against taxes that I don't want to think about them, and I can't seem to write about them either.
Consumer Reports posted a very informative item about the 'supposed' tax credits available to buyers of hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic (among others). However, many people don't know about the hoops they need to jump through in order to 'qualify' and they aren't aware that the credits are largely dependent on more factors than just the purchase of the vehicle. Consumer Reports addressed these details, saying "Tax credits of up to $3,150 promised a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal income-tax liability, though many consumers may now find themselves--or their vehicles--ineligible. The devil is in the details, and they can hit you on two fronts: The credits are gradually phasing out for the most popular models. People who are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) can't claim the credit at all."
Author Gordon Hard finishes his article saying "If you're considering a hybrid or some other alternative-fuel vehicle because the federal tax credit makes it look financially appealing, you could be disappointed. And you may not know the real out-of-pocket cost until it's too late, perhaps months after a purchase when you (or your tax preparer) can fully access your annual tax liability. The lesson here is to consult your accountant to confirm your eligibility for a federal tax incentive."
So, if you're still fighting with your own tax returns, and wondering about whether you qualify for a credit for your purchase of a hybrid vehicle, check out the complete article on "Hybrid cars and the vanishing tax credit."
by Brandy Schaffels Ask Patty Contributing Editor and Income Tax Procrastinator
It's Possible in Shell's Unique Student Competition
Shell Eco-Marathon Americas inspires top young engineers from 24 schools in the U.S. and Canada in a challenge to take place April 13-14 at the California Speedway in Fontana, California. The goal of the event is to build a vehicle which will achieve the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel.
After more than 20 successful years in Europe and the United Kingdom, the world-renowned Shell Eco-marathon is coming to the United States. The Shell Eco-marathon Americas will showcase a lineup of futuristic, eco-friendly vehicles competing to travel the farthest distance on the least amount of fuel. The student project, which invites student teams from across the Americas to design and build the most energy-efficient vehicle, concludes this weekend, April 13 -14, 2007, with a two-day mileage challenge at the California Speedway in Fontana, California. Last year, a student team from Europe achieved the equivalent of 6,792 miles to the gallon.
"As a leading provider of fuels today, we believe it's important to encourage education and awareness about sustainable mobility," said David Sexton, president of Shell Oil Products U.S. "We've made it a priority to support today's top young scientists and technicians as they develop creative ideas that could help solve real energy problems and influence the transportation of tomorrow."
Teams are comprised of about eight student engineers working together to build prototype vehicles with three or four wheels using conventional fuels or alternative fuels or energy sources such as liquid petroleum gas, biofuels, compressed natural gas, hydrogen or solar. A grand prize of $10,000, worldwide bragging rights, and the chance to make history will be awarded to the educational institution or university whose student-driven vehicle travels the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel. There are also first, second and third prizes awarded in three vehicle categories. Thirty teams from across the U.S. and Canada are are vying for the title of the most fuel-efficient vehicle in North America.
A group of inner-city, middle-school students from George J. Ryan Junior High School in Flushing, New York, spent the day learning the ropes of the world of automotive journalism from radio personality Alan Taylor of Car and Driver, who is also the automotive reporter for the Regis and Kelly show.
Having competed against dozens of other teens, eight students wrote winning essays about why they want to see the NYIAS through the eyes of a journalist for the day. Their experience was made possible by Hummer division, which is also a multi-year sponsor of the After-School All-Stars, a program to which the students belong.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity brought these students deep inside the glass-and-chrome world of the newest, hottest cars and trucks and gave them an exciting, first-hand learning understanding of what it would be like to be an automotive journalist.
Students started the day being chauffeured in HUMMER vehicles from their school to the studio of the Regis and Kelly show, where they watched Taylor provide viewers with an inside look at the hottest cars at the auto show this year.
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The Automobile Association of America (AAA), in partnership with the University of Florida's National Older Driver Research and Training Center (NODRTC), released its "Smart Features for Mature Drivers" program at this week's New York International Auto Show. 
Persons over age 65 represent the fastest growing population segment in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 37 million people age 65 and older in the United States in 2006, up from 29 million in 2005. It is estimated that by 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers age 65 and older.
MIDLAND,
Mich. -- Groundbreaking for Northwood University’s new Sloan Family
Building for Aftermarket Studies took place Wednesday, March 21 at 11
am at the building site near the back parking lot behind the NADA
Center. The large tent which sheltered guests from the pouring rain
held numerous aftermarket friends and supporters, students, faculty,
staff, and community leaders. The building, which is expected to be
completed in March 2008, was named in honor of industry icon O. Temple
Sloan and his family who were in attendance. 
