Don’t let thieves decide vehicle you should buy

Dear Bob: Will you give me advice on what car to purchase that nobody wants to steal?

I’m thinking of a Saturn, only because of its “no haggle” policy and because I didn’t see it listed in the top 10 of the most-stolen list — unlike my Honda Civic, which was stolen from my home.

I loved the Honda, but my fear now is so great that I don’t want it.

Thank you.

C.R., Methuen, Mass.

A: It’s sad that consumers often feel obliged to consider a vehicle’s theft potential when deciding whether or not to purchase it. Buying a vehicle that is not high on the list of most-stolen vehicles will reduce the chances of having your car stolen again, though. Go over that list with your mechanic, and find out which vehicle might most resemble your Honda in the features that you most desire.

You might also contact your local police department and ask for help in protecting your car from being stolen. Most police departments are more than willing to help with this, because it keeps them from having to respond to another stolen-car call. Most larger cities have programs aimed at making a vehicle as nearly theft-proof as possible.

Readers can look up the theft potential of any vehicle, along with information on its collision and injury history, at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Web site at www.iihs.org. Click on “Consumer Publications,” then choose “Injury, Collision and Theft Loss by Make and Model.”

All of that said, while I understand that you’re afraid to purchase another Honda for fear of it likewise being stolen, I would hate for you — or anyone — to let criminals dictate the kind of car you drive.

Dear Bob: Why do some turn-signal indicators have to be so quiet? True, some people like quiet rather than loud, but it shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to design a variable-loudness, adjustable turn-signal clicker.

The dealer for my 2003 Camry can’t help. Do you know if I can get a little more click, bell, buzz or gong out of mine?

Thanks.

P., via e-mail.

A: I know of no way, short of placing the clicker in some kind of amplifying sound chamber, to make a standard unit louder.

Some specialty auto shops do carry extra-loud turn-signal clickers. A few years ago I tried one of these, via a mail-order firm, and even published the address from which it could be purchased. Problem was, it was too loud and irritating, and I ended up replacing it with my OEM (original-equipment manufacturer) indicator.

Perhaps you’ll have more luck finding one that is louder than your original but not so loud as to be irritating. If you do, let me know — I’m sure there are other readers in your predicament.

And your idea of a loudness-adjustable indicator is a good one. I hope some auto executive reads this and gets clicking!

Dear Bob: The rubber bushings on my vehicles need a lubricant. I’d like to lubricate them before they deteriorate.

What would be a good lubricant? Would engine oil work? Gun oil? Silicone spray?

Thanks for any help.

H., Kansas City, Kan.

A: The best bet would be a silicone spray. Don’t use engine oil, because its additives might hasten rubber deterioration rather than delay it. Auto-parts stores carry sprays specifically formulated to prolong the life of rubber parts.

And save the gun oil for guns.

AMERICAN DRIVERS FIGHT BACK

Here’s a tip that will help you get better gas mileage while fighting terrorism and cutting our nation’s dependence on Mideastern oil:

Department of Transportation tests have demonstrated that jumpy starts and fast getaways can burn more than 50 percent more gas than normal acceleration does. Smooth, moderate and yet modestly brisk acceleration is an important key to better gas mileage. Pedal-to-metal or jackrabbit starts are prodigious fuel wasters, and should be used only in emergencies.

The proper way to accelerate from a dead stop is to picture a nearly full glass of water sitting on the hood. Then pull away in such a manner as not to spill the imaginary water. Practice this — most of us have numerous opportunities each day — until it becomes second nature.

Note: I’m not advocating a snail-like approach to getting your vehicle moving. Given the above guidelines, the more quickly you can get into the more economical operating range of 35 mph to 45 mph, the better your fuel mileage will be.