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 AskPatty team attended SEMA last week: members of the Specialty Equipment Market Association make, buy, sell and use all kinds of specialty parts and accessories to make vehicles more attractive, more unique, more convenient, faster, safer, more fun and even like-new again. The TIA (Tire Industry Association), NACE (International Auto Body Congress & Exposition), and the CARS (Congress of Automotive Repair & Service) conventions overlapped week in Las Vegas and we attended them all. (My feet are still sore from all that walking).
Each year at these events I see more and more women entering the automotive industry or women I know growing in their roles and careers. THIS makes me smile. So to the GUYS; "If you missed seeing them in 2009, these are some of the 'real' women to watch at SEMA in 2010."
Enger Tire won 1st place and one of AskPatty's Certified Female Friendly® tire and service center groups in Virginia Curry's Auto won 2nd place in the Tire Review Magazine Top Shop 2009 awards held during the TIA event on Monday. Judy Curry Co-Owner of Curry's Auto was also named "One of 2009 Women Who Mean Business" of 2009 by the Washington Business Review recently.
At the Car Care Council Women's Board event they announced Lisa Kranc, senior vice president of marketing for AutoZone Inc., as the sixth annual Aftermarket Woman of the Year. I also did some networking with Susan Medick CFO of the AAIA (Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association) and interestingly many key executives of this large automotive association are women: Kathleen Schmatz is CEO and Susan Kalish heads up their education programs! We were also very excited to see Helen Winkler of Activant Solutions receive her award.
A the SBN Breakfast (SEMA Business Women's Networking Group), legendary motor sports hero to women Lynn St. James was honored with the 2009 Athena Award and so enjoyed networking with many women in leadership in the automotive aftermarket including AskPatty expert woman Director of Business Development - Chop Shop Customs Dana Schaeffer, Erin Gilhuly, TRD Business Administrator Toyota Motor Sales USA and many other amazing women. The speed-networking portion of this event is one of my favorite events each year during SEMA, one can never know enough amazing women (and men supporters a growing number at this event each year), in the automotive aftermarket industry!
During my time at NACE events met with Debby Robinson of Victory Management Group, Dick Cross CEO and Bill Garoutt, SVP of Marketing for CarStar who do a wonderful program in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation with their 375 locations in the US and Canada. Shared a delightful dinner of coconut pancakes and hot chocolate with Jeanne Silver of Butterfield Bodyworks CarStar Collision shop owner in Mundelein, Illinois, who is very involved in leadership development for women in the collision industry. Jeanne and the Women in Collision are mentoring a young woman named Rachel Fonseca who is seeking a career in the collision industry as a custom body builder in Bedford, Ma. Rachel is currently employed as an Adult Education Instructor (teaching Collision Repair and Small Engine Repair) at Voc. While studying at Voc she participated in SkillsUSA, becoming the first female in the 34 year Massachusetts's state history to win gold in Collision Repair. Many "Women in Collision" gather to network on a Ning network called CollisionHub, founded by Kristen Felder, a woman of course!
On Thursday, a group of "Women in Collision" converged for a panel discussion, "Successful Shop Ownership: Tips from Women Owners of Thriving Shops," to share stories about their business strategies and some of the challenges they've faced within the industry. Kim White, district sales manager with FinishMaster, moderated the panel that included Camille Eber, owner of Roth & Miller Autobody in Portland, Ore.; Geralynn Kottschade, owner of Jerry's Body Shop in Mankato, Minnesota Carolyn Coquillette, owner of Luscious Garage in San Francisco; and Jennifer Justice-Haley, owner of Valley Paint & Body in Amelia, Ohio, who is one of our automotive expert women on AskPatty.com!
I had breakfast one morning with Debbie Van Schalkwyk Pennzoil Global Brand Manager and discussed her long career working in the oil business in her technical role, her challenges and success. I was so impressed and made a connection as we are so on the same page in promoting and supporting careers for women in the automotive segment. Her story needs to be told as she is truly an inspiration and example to women seeking technology careers that they can break the glass ceiling. I hope to interview her further in 2010.
During visits to booths on the SEMA and AAPEX show floor and at various events I had an opportunity to meet with some truly amazing women including Macarena Sanson co-owner of Sansone's Independent Henderson Nevada, Michelle Zeisloft Media Relations Manager for Cooper Tres, Julie Elepano of 3M Care Care Marketing, Camee Edelbrock of Schiefer Public Relations who works with EZ Lube's VP of Marketing Sophia Maksymchak, Kristen Brocoff of CarMD, and one of my favorite hip and interesting women friends in the auto industry, Jamey Wozinak owner of Joe's Hich and Trailer Dallas, Texas, other wise known as the "Hitch Bitch"!
At a really fun and interesting Shell-sponsored NASCAR driving experience I met Lisa Davis, president of Shell Lubricants Americas who is new to the organization and hope to interview her in 2010!
Patricia Roberts, Business Development Director for AskPatty.com and I both had the ride of our lives during this event at 175 MPH on Las Vegas Motor Speedway and learned a great deal about using high quality motor oil to reduce C02, improve engine performance and maintain the life of your vehicle. Shell is sponsoring new educational site called MOM or Motor Oil Matters to help provide information to make an informed decision when it comes to motor oil and your vehicle.
I was so jealous that Patricia was selected to do her ride and drive with Kevin Harvick!! However I was not disappointed at all after my ride with Tony Pendregon championship NHRA Top Fuel driver. Before before we took off I had to ask; "Tony do you know how to turn left???" He just smiled and said, "I hope so for both our sakes, I just learned how to do this yesterday for this event!" I had a blast with Tony Pendregon on the ride, WOOT! What a thrill for me to say I raced with Tony nose to tail behind Dale Earnhardt "Junior" on Las Vegas Motor Speedway at 175 MPH!
Richard Childress, Paul Menard, Casey Mears, JW Hart, Porter Tater, and Clint Bowyer were other championship race car drivers all on-hand to take guests three screaming fast laps around the track.
Thank you Shell for inviting AskPatty.com to attend this event. For race loving women like Patricia and I, it was the highlight of our time during the week long events in Vegas. P.S. My adrenaline level is still elevated!
November 12th - 15th Tony Pendregon is competing at the NHRA Auto Club
Raceway in Pomona final and championship races, I wish Tony the best
of luck!
Autumn is the picture-perfect time of year when many drivers take to the road to view the colors. The leaves are beautiful to see, but when wet or in piles, they present driving hazards unique to the season. The Car Care Council reminds drivers to prepare for fall driving conditions by having their vehicles' tires, brakes and wipers checked before heading out.
"Drivers should be aware that wet leaves on the road surface can make stopping difficult, and piles of leaves can obscure potholes, curbs and street markings," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Add to these hazards the fact that road conditions can change from ideal to miserable in a matter of minutes, and what you have is a potentially dangerous situation."
Tires can affect the car's ride, handling, traction and safety, and are a critical connection between the car and the road in all types of driving conditions. To maximize tire life and safety, check the inflation pressure and the tread depth, and inspect the sidewalls for cracks or punctures. As a general rule, tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles and balanced.
The brake system is the car's most important safety system. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car, and brake linings, drums and rotors, as well as brake fluid, should be checked at each oil change.
To help ensure the performance and safety of wipers, blades should be replaced every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering. Windshield wiper fluid should be checked monthly and only washer fluid should be used.
Ladies, here at AskPatty, we're always sharing tips about car care and maintenance to help you get more out of the life of your vehicle. Performing your regular scheduled maintenance and oil changes is the BEST WAY to ensure your vehicle lives a long and healthy lifetime.
With the economy in poor shape and studies showing that Americans are keeping their cars on the road longer than ever before (9.4 years), we know there has never been a better time for women to do what they can to protect their vehicles, providing peace of mind for them and their families.
Well, Valvoline has rolled out a new program meant to help ensure your engine lasts as long as 300,000 miles with regular Valvoline oil changes, and guarantees the program with up to $5,000 in repair expenses if it doesn't.
Drivers can choose from three levels of the Valvoline Engine Guarantee based on personal driving needs and vehicle requirements by choosing a distance based on the following oil selections:
--MaxLife Full Synthetic or Synpower Full Synthetic - 300,000-mile limited guarantee --MaxLife or DuraBlend (synthetic blends) - 225,000-mile limited guarantee --Valvoline Premium Conventional - 150,000-mile limited guarantee
Sam Mitchell, president, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline), explains the special offer. "It's clear that in this economy, many people are focused on saving money and making their vehicles last longer. We're confident that Valvoline motor oil has what it takes to make that happen, and we're backing that confidence with a guarantee not only in our oil, but also in the life of our customers' engines when they use our oil as recommended," Mitchell says.
Better yet, it's not just new cars and trucks that qualify: Most vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles are eligible to be registered in the free Valvoline Engine Guarantee program. Valvoline Instant Oil Change Centers make it so easy, you don't even have to get out of your car, making it easy for busy Moms to load up the family, get the oil changed, and begin enrollment in the free Engine Guarantee all at once! (As a mom who knows what a hassle it can be loading kids in and out of the car when running errands, I can appreciate this!) Also, if you check out the Valvoline Instant Oil Change website before you go, you can download money-saving coupons and sign up for car care tips and special promotions as well.
Simply visit EngineGuarantee.com to learn full details about Valvoline's 300,000-mile Engine Guarantee and program limitations, and to locate the nearest Valvoline Instant Oil Change centers.
Road crashes are among the leading cause of death globally and are recognized as the Number One cause of death in the industry. The devastation the loss of life and serious injury wreaks on the families, friends, communities, and victims themselves is incalculable. Yet, many road traffic crashes are preventable.
As part of Global Road Safety Week - being held November 9-14, 2009 -- Chevron is working with its employees to heighten awareness across the company of how choices as drivers, and as pedestrians, can affect the health and safety not only of ourselves, but also of others in the community. As part of this weeklong effort, Mario Andretti -- one of the all-time kings of the Indy Car racing circuit--visited the company's San Ramon headquarters today to speak with Chevron employees about how the choices of both drivers and pedestrians impact everyone's safety. A huh-yuge advocate of driving safety, Mario also lends his hand to Bridgestone's teen safety program with a downloadable safety booklet meant to educate young drivers. In addition to its special event held today, Chevron is communicating all week long with all its national employees with daily messages to highlight each day's specific theme, which include Driver Fatigue, Journey Planning, Speeding, and Defensive Driving.
The planned events for Chevron's Global Road Safety Week lead up to the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, on November 15th which commemorates all those killed and injured in road crashes, along with their families, the emergency service providers, and all others affected or involved in the aftermath of automotive accidents.
Chevron also wants to spread the road safety message beyond its own employees, saying "Everyone can each change their behavior to drive safely. We can practice defensive driving; we can exercise the willpower to stay focused on the task of driving; we can ensure we are visible to traffic if we have need to cross or step into a road; we can ensure that we are alert enough to drive, and we can choose to drive at speeds within the law and acceptable for road conditions."
Additionally, because more than 40% of all road traffic deaths occur among people younger than 25 years old, Global Road Awareness Week also focuses on educating such "young road users" as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, novice drivers, and their passengers.
As part of its global efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) has created the "Road Marks" series of posters to raise awareness of ways to be safer on the road. The posters graphically illustrate their call to action and invite young people to be part of the solution: wear a helmet, never drink and drive, don't speed, wear a seatbelt, and be seen on the road. (Note: The five-poster series is available to all who organize events around the world to celebrate Road Safety Week and are available in a variety of languages.)
<-Too late to fasten your seat-belt: Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of being ejected from a vehicle and suffering serious or fatal injury by between 40%-65%. Be part of the solution: wear a seat belt.
->Too late to stop drinking: Consuming alcohol before driving increases the risk of a crash as well as the likelihood that death or serious injury will result. Passing a drink-driving law and enforcing it can reduce the number of road deaths by 20%. Be part of the solution: never drink and drive.
<-Too late to be seen: Pedestrians and cyclists can be difficult to see on the roads, which increases their risk of road traffic injuries. Wearing lightly colored or reflective clothing makes them much more visible and can help avoid collisions. Be part of the solution: be seen on the road.
->Too late to put on your helmet: Most motorcycle deaths are a result of head injuries. Wearing a motorcycle helmet correctly can cut the risk of death by almost 40%, and the risk of severe injury by 70%. Be part of the solution: wear a helmet.
<-Too late to slow down: Speed kills all types of road users - drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. A 5% cut in average speed can reduce the number of fatal crashes by as much as 30%. Be part of the solution: don't speed.
Be especially aware of road safety this week, and say a special prayer of remembrance on Sunday, November 15, for those people touched by the tragedy of an automotive accident.
Alternate-fueled and hybrid vehicles are gaining market share but still account for a relatively small percentage of vehicles on the road. Someday all of us may be driving pollution-free, hydrogen-powered cars. But what’s a concerned consumer to do in the meantime?
Motorists who want to go ‘green’ don’t have to wait to help the environment. By changing a few habits, motorists can begin helping the environment right away, say the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
ASE recommends regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two easy-to-implement strategies. What’s more, better automotive habits will help your vehicle last longer and command a better resale price as well.
The following tips from ASE can put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care:
--Keep the engine running at peak performance—a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in the manual.
--Today’s vehicles have much cleaner tailpipe emissions that they did thirty years ago. But a poorly running engine or faulty exhaust system will cause your vehicle to pollute much more than it would otherwise. Don’t ignore that ‘Service Engine’ light.
--Keep tires properly inflated and aligned to reduce the engine’s effort and, thus, gasoline consumption. What’s more, your tires will last longer too, saving you money and easing the burden at recycling centers.
--Have your vehicle’s air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service.
--Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations; both habits guzzle gas. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving.
--Walk more. (Talk about helping yourself and the environment simultaneously!)
--Remove excess items from the vehicle, since less weight means better mileage. Remove that roof-top luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air drag.
If you do your own repairs, properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government. Remember, too, that improperly disposed fluids such as anti-freeze can harm pets and wildlife.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. Almost 400,000 technicians and parts specialists hold current ASE certifications. They work at all types of facilities, from new car dealerships, to national chains, independent repair shops, fleets, and more. There employers often display the blue and white ASE sign, while the technicians wear shoulder insignia or lapel pins identifying himself or herself as ASE certified. For more information, including seasonal car care tips, visit www.ase.com.
To celebrate the release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon movie, Volvo is giving away two tickets to the world premiere in Los Angeles on November 16, 2009. To enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win the tickets, visit WhatDrivesEdward.com before Monday, November 9!
Edward drives an XC60 that features the Saville Grey metallic exterior, a sandstone beige/espresso interior, a cream leather steering wheel,19-inch Achilles diamond cut wheels and exterior accessories such as side scuff plates, front bumper bar, and rear skid plates.
By entering the sweepstakes, you're automatically entered into the What Drives Edward contest, which runs through November 23, where you could win a brand-new Volvo XC60. Be the first to complete the six phases of the "What Drives Edward" contest to unlock the final puzzle: If you're the first to solve the puzzle, you could bring home a shiny new Volvo XC60, just like Edward's in New Moon! Since the puzzles increase in difficulty, players are encouraged to exchange hints through Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. The game runs through November 23.
"Volvo is central to Edward's character in the Twilight saga," said Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. "One lucky fan will solve all of the puzzles in Volvo's New Moon interactive game and win a new XC60. While the XC60 doesn't come equipped with a vampire, the winner will experience the power, beauty and protection that is Volvo-and it will transport them to all of their great moments in life."
Even though the first phase has already begun, you can begin playing at any time before the end of the competition, and you can finish the phases in any order you choose. But the first to finish all the phases and the final puzzle wins the Volvo XC60!
It's a fact that seatbelts and airbags have a proven record of saving lives in automobile crashes. Ford has now combined the two technologies to create a new kind of inflatable seatbelt that will better protect rear seat occupants, especially more vulnerable young children and elderly passengers who can be more susceptible to head, chest, and neck injuries. But, in everyday use, these belts would operate like conventional seat belts, making them safe and compatible with infant and child safety and booster seats.
Vehicle safety sensors determine the severity of a frontal or side collision in the blink of an eye to deploy the inflatable belts' airbags. The inflatable belt is inflated by cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat. Upon inflation, it unfolds like an accordian, and its increased diameter more effectively holds the occupant in the appropriate seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury. The shape of the seat belt also spreads crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts to help reduce pressure on the chest and better control head and neck motion for rear seat passengers.
Additionally, using cold compressed gas instead of a heat-generating chemical reaction means the inflated belts feel no warmer on the wearer's body than the ambient temperature, and eliminate concerns of inflation burns typical in traditional airbag systems.
In Ford's research, more than 90 percent of those who tested the inflatable seat belts found them to be similar to or more comfortable than a conventional belt because they feel padded and softer. Ford believes that comfort factor could help improve the 61 percent rear-belt-usage rate in the U.S., which compares to 82 percent usage by front-seat passengers, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
"Ford's rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes," said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering (pictured, right). "This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top safety ratings of any automaker."
Ford plans to introduce these inflatable rear seat belts on the next-generation Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, which goes into production next year, and eventually intends to offer the inflatable seat belt technology in vehicles globally.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show is one of the biggest events of the automotive industry each year. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, it is attended by more than 100,000 industry leaders from around the world who amass to participate in educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, and networking opportunities. Traditionally held during the first week of November, the SEMA show overlaps with the Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX) held at the Sands Expo, which also draws more than 50,000 attendees, making this the largest convention held in Las Vegas each year. If you're an enthusiast of the automotive aftermarket, this is your Nirvana.
I am currently in Vegas this week, participating in both events with the help of my editor, Brandy Schaffels, and our new Director of Business Development, Patricia J Roberts. It's been a crazy week, full of back-to-back meetings and miles and MILES of walking, but also a fun opportunity for us car gals to get some time together, immersed in our automotive environment!
If you're unfamiliar with the 46-year-old organization, SEMA members make, buy, sell, and use all kinds of specialty parts and accessories to make vehicles more attractive, more unique, more convenient, faster, safer, more fun and even like-new again. There's something at SEMA for everyone, whether you're looking for a fancy chrome paint job or customized vinyl wrap, a luxurious leather interior, personal mobile electronics, wheels and tires, convenient products for car care, or even windshield wiper blades made by a woman-owned company that donates to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Manufacturers use this show to allow aftermarket companies to transform their vehicles into rolling works of art, whether they're creating electric race cars, eye-popping show cars. Ford is here with a giant collection of customized cars; they're also been giving driving demos of its highly anticipated Fiesta. General Motors used the show to debut an entire line of modified Camaro concepts, including a fuel-efficient twin-turbo version customized by comedian Jay Leno. Suzuki presented a collection of Kizashi and Equator build projects and Scion showcased three project vehicles for its xB Tuner Challenge. And Progressive Insurance had an entire display of super-efficient entrants into its Automotive XPrize competition.
While we've been here, I've been nurturing new relationships with women industry leaders and am making new connections to certify additional female friendly automotive retailers! We've also gathered lots of great information about events, products, and vehicles that will be developed into larger stories later, so keep your eyes peeled for more from the SEMA show in future blogs!
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The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. Almost 400,000 technicians and parts specialists hold current ASE certifications. They work at all types of facilities, from new car dealerships, to national chains, independent repair shops, fleets, and more. There employers often display the blue and white ASE sign, while the technicians wear shoulder insignia or lapel pins identifying himself or herself as ASE certified. For more information, including seasonal car care tips, visit 
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